Samarkand, the Height of Chabad

How many Lubavitchers actually lived in Samarkand?

Although the Chabad community in nearby Tashkent was larger, and of a similar composition, it was Samarkand that acquired a special name in Chabad folklore.

The Influence of the Youth

In 1946 a new period began in Samarkand, and for those of us who stayed, a far more difficult one, both physically and spiritually.

Netilas Yadayim From Start to Finish

Hand washing in Jewish law is much more than the astute hygienic measure ordained by the Sages thousands of years ago that it has been recognized as by the world.

Describing Chassidim of Old

Sensibilities Turned into Unspoken Rules

The extraordinary devotion of the Chassidim of Samarkand extended far beyond that which was mandated by Jewish law or prevailing Chassidic custom.

R. Berke’s Influence

His focus on personal character and conduct was insistent, and relentless.

The Attraction of Samarkand

Aside from the natural population growth, a number of locals had been attracted to and joined the Chabad community.

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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.

In this Book