Rabbi Nakhchon Yunayev from Moscow arrived in Baku for the development of Jewish youth programs in the Azerbaijani capital, despite suggestions from European countries, a coronavirus pandemic and a recent military conflict in the region. The Bulletin of the Caucasus tells about the young rabbi, referring to the article in The Jerusalem POST.
Previously, UNeva worked at the Moscow Jewish Community Center, came to Azerbaijan about a month ago. Initiated the program to study the Torah for students and young people. “Because of the pandemic, we conduct group classes for small groups, as well as online, but, despite the difficulties, we have already met many members of our community,” says Junaev.
“Although I grew up in Moscow, I am a Gorsky Jew. He graduated there his first idhiva, then continued his education in Israel and the United States,” says Rabbi.
Yunayev received proposals for work from Germany, Israel, from Cyprus, from Estonia and other countries where Russian-speaking rabbis needs, but he chose Baku. “For me, it was an honor to work with the main rabbi of the Ashkenaz Jews of Azerbaijan by Schneur Segalom, – he noted.” I think the locals prefer the rabbi grow in the same traditions that they “.
Rabbi said that he decided to move to Baku, despite the recent military conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia: “The relatives of his wife told us about what was happening here. We know that everyone was ready to help and support each other in those difficult times. In such Situations People need additional support, and we are ready to provide it. For us it was important to know that we are going to help the Jews of Azerbaijan. “
Schneur’s spiritual leader of the Ashkenaz community Segal says Yunayev is one of the “most promising young Russian-speaking rabbis.”