Around Queens: The Jewish Silk Road

A few weeks before the 9/11 attacks in New York, a 14-year-old Manashe Khaimov and his family emigrated from Samarkand, Uzbekistan to Rego Park, Queens, joining other Bukharian Jewish families in the area seeking prosperity, religious freedom and educational opportunities. Over time, while enjoying the freedom and diversity of New York City, Manashe grew stronger ties to his identity and traditions, eventually becoming an educator and an organizer within his community.

Today, Manashe, 33, leads the Jewish Silk Road Tours, introducing New Yorkers to a taste of his culture and traditions--including food, culture, music and religious sites, building bridges between the Bukharian Jewish community and Queensites of all stripes. On this episode of Queens Stories, viewers will discover the religious traditions of Bukharian Jews at the Bukharian Jewish Community Center and Temple, try on traditional Uzbek costumes and wares at the Bukharian Jewish Museum, taste traditional Samsa meat pastries (similar to Indian Samosas or Polish Pierogis) at the Rokhat Kosher Bakery, and finish with a sumptuous meal at one of many Bukharian Kosher eateries along Forest Hills’ 108th Street.