For the senior bochurim of Yeshiva Tiferet Tzion, this journey to Eretz Yisrael was not a school trip. It was a defining milestone — one that speaks directly to the strength, direction, and future of our Queens Bukharian Torah community.
Joined by their devoted rebbe, Rabbi Shimon Shain, together with the yeshivah’s dedicated menahel, Rabbi Moshe Aharonov, and Rabbi Avraham Fridman, Principal of the YSZ Elementary Division, the seniors departed with clarity of purpose. They were not traveling simply to see; they were traveling to internalize.
They began with kedushah at Har HaMenuchot, visiting the kever of Rav Asher Freund, ztk”l, founder of Yad Ezra. Standing there, they offered heartfelt tefilot for success, growth, and direction. For young men raised in our Bukharian homes — built on mesorah, sacrifice, and devotion to Torah — beginning their journey at the kever of a tzaddik set the tone unmistakably: this was about responsibility.
From there, they entered the Old City of Yerushalayim and approached the Kotel. As they stood before the ancient stones, they were not alone. Behind them stood their parents, their grandparents, and generations of Bukharian Jews who preserved Torah under challenge and exile. The moment created a living bridge — linking Queens to Yerushalayim, past to future.
That evening they checked into the Yirmiyahu 33 Hotel, already sensing that this would be a trip of transformation.
In Bnei Brak, the bochurim encountered Torah greatness firsthand. They met Harav Dovid Cohen, shlit”a, Rosh HaYeshivah of Yeshivas Chevron; Harav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, shlit”a, Rosh HaYeshivah of Slabodka; and Rav Shmuel Elishaev, shlit”a. They also davened at the beit hamidrash of Rav Yitzchak Yosef, shlit”a and merited a private meeting with him — receiving personal words that many described as clarifying and empowering.
These were not casual visits. They were encounters with Torah at its highest level — experiences that shape perspective and sharpen ambition as these seniors prepare to enter Beit Medrash.
On erev Shabbat, they felt the unique energy of Yerushalayim while walking through Geulah and the bustling Shuk Machane Yehudah. Friday night davening at the Kotel was nothing short of electrifying. Their voices rose together in song and prayer, filling the plaza with youthful strength and sincerity — a sight that quietly proclaimed: the next generation is here.
They were joined for Shabbat by YTT alumni and Beth Gavriel leadership, including Rav Malkiel Yusupov and family and Mr. Yuriy Rubinov, as well as their former rebbe, Rabbi Binyamin Privalsky. The presence of alumni was especially meaningful. It was continuity in real time — those who once stood where these seniors now stand returning to encourage and uplift them.
The Shabbat meals were alive with spirited zemirot, divrei Torah, and deep conversation. It was a Shabbat of elevation and unity.
On Motza’ei Shabbat, they visited Rav Reuven Elbaz, shlit”a and received heartfelt berachot. A pizza melaveh malkah followed — joyful yet brief — before heading to sleep for only a few hours ahead of an early rise.
At dawn, they climbed Masada and davened Shacharit overlooking the desert horizon. The symbolism was powerful: resilience, faith, and Jewish endurance. From there they traveled to Ein Gedi, strengthening friendships and brotherhood amid the beauty of Eretz Yisrael.
They then headed north, spending the night at the Lavi Hotel in order to maximize two full days in the region. In Tzfat and Teveriah, they connected to centuries of Jewish perseverance. They rode ATVs through Dishon, returning muddy and laughing, and later boarded the famous torpedo boat and pancake boating, riding the waves with unfiltered joy. Torah growth and healthy camaraderie moved hand in hand.
On their final day, they traveled to Chevron and stood in awe at Me’arat HaMechpalah. They then visited Kever Rochel, pouring out heartfelt tefilot at a site that has embodied Jewish tears and hope for generations. For young men from Queens — sons and grandsons of immigrants who guarded Torah fiercely — these moments carried generational weight.
They were not sightseeing.
They were anchoring themselves.
The journey concluded with a celebratory banquet at the Rodriguez restaurant in Yerushalayim, joined by alumni and rebbeim, reflecting on what they had gained — clarity, inspiration, brotherhood, and renewed resolve.
This will not be their last visit.
As the YTT seniors prepare for Beit Medrash — both in the United States and in Eretz Yisrael — they carry with them strengthened identity and sharpened purpose. For our Bukharian community in Queens, this is the true headline. The torch of Torah is not flickering — it is burning brighter.
These young men are ready to build.
May they continue to grow in Torah and yirat Shamayim, bringing pride, strength, and enduring continuity to their families and to our community for generations to come.
From Queens To The Heart Of Eretz Yisrael: YTT Seniors Carry The Bukharian Torch Forward
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