Noble Figures

Chassidic life in Samarkand during the years of my childhood and youth was comprised of a unique combination of extraordinary individuals. There were elder Chassidim who were true role models, embodying an intense, burning desire for their creator, alongside young, idealistic bochurim who possessed a tremendous Chassidic fervor of their own. I relish many sweet memories from the privileged time I spent together with the elder Chassidim.

R. Eliyahu Paritcher

My first memory of R. Eliyahu is from an event that, at the time, left a distinctly unpleasant flavor in my mouth, and even resentment toward him. It took some maturity on my part until I fully grasped the significance and implications of what had occurred.

R. Berel the Carpenter

Occasionally, on Shabbos afternoon - once it had become dark outside, and inside the shul it was dim as well - we youngsters would muster the courage to sneak inside, being ever so careful not to be spotted...

Uncle Boruch

It was recently discovered that they had a sister whom we had never heard about.

R. Mordechai Yoel’s Stories

Though the nuances may vary, the essence of the stories remains the same.

In the Home of My Aunt and Uncle

My uncle and aunt were not blessed with children of their own and since I, their nephew, was the youngest child in my family, I had a special place in their hearts.

A Man of Gentle Faith

Although it was several years after Stalin’s death, there was still a prevailing mood of fear.

The Great Spirit of Mulla Yosef

During the flurry of arrests in Samarkand, he was arrested as a Lubavitcher Chassid and sentenced to 25 years in exile. It was only after Stalin’s death that he was pardoned and released.

R. Yisrael Nachman Zeidman

In the late 1950s, a man by the name of Yisrael Nachman Zeidman arrived in Samarkand. He had sunken eyes and frightened expression that seemed to bear testimony to a deep pain and a fear that lay in his heart.

R. Yaakov Notik

When R. Yaakov’s children grew older and he had to provide them with a proper Jewish education, he decided to move to Samarkand.

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Samarkand »

By Hillel Zaltzman

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"Samarkand" tells the story of the Chassidic underground that operated in the Soviet Union, upholding Judaism during the rule of communist terror. Gripping narrative sweeps the reader to distant lands, and paints a picture of mysterious figures in Samarkand's alleys, secret Torah study under the constant threat of arrest by the KGB, and the long and hard fought victory in inspiring Jewish renaissance throughout the Soviet Union.

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