Inside Kahal Lemaan Achai, voices blend in prayer and study. Congregation L’maan Achai stands as a beacon. It serves the Bukharian Jewish community in Borough Park. This synagogue’s story is one of growth and dedication.
In 1984, Rabbi Shlomo Chai Niyazov founded Kahal Lmaan Achai. It was the first Bukharian synagogue in Brooklyn. From humble beginnings, it has blossomed. It now serves hundreds of families. These families span Borough Park and Kensington.
For nearly 40 years, Rabbi Niazov poured his heart into this community. Then, in September 2019, the synagogue doubled its size. A magnificent Beit Knesset or Bet Midrash was rebuilt. This expansion happened through the work of committed people. Mr. Yaakov Dayan and Rabbi Asher Cohen were key figures.
As the Shul was rebuilt, Rabbi Eliyahu David Haimof stepped up to help. He aided the community and its youth. With blessings from Rav Yisroel Reisman, Rabbi Haimof took on this mission. He saw a need for leadership among the Bukharian people.
Rabbi Haimof began a Gemara Shiur. Only a few people attended at first. But it grew steadily each year. Now, almost 20 people attend nightly. They have completed multiple Masechtot. These include Sota, Pesachim, and Sanhedrin. They diligently include some Rashis in their studies. Currently, they are learning Masechet Bava Metzia.
Youth from the community attend mainstream Yeshivot. They say Kahal Lemaan Achai has become a true Makom Torah. The synagogue holds daily Tefilot for Shacharit. On Sundays, there are two Minyanim. They also hold daily Mincha and two Minyanim for Arvit. Shabbatot are beautiful. They feature inspirational Chazanut and Divrei Torah.
Every Shabbat afternoon, there is a Shiur on practical Laws of Shabbat. It covers each Siman from Shulchan Aruch. Mishna Brurah and halacha Lemaase are included. They follow Sephardim from leading Sephardi Poskim.
In winter, the Congregation L’maan Achai offers Learning or Oneg Shabbat on Friday nights. Men and women enjoy refreshments. They eat Cholent and Kugel. Zemirot Shabbat and Divrei Torah on the Parsha are shared. This Oneg Shabbat has become very popular. It attracts many youth, men, women, and children.
A successful Avot Ubanim program also exists. Fathers and sons bond through learning. Mothers are encouraged to send their sons and husbands to learn together. Amazing prizes and Melave Malka motivate them. The yearly Chanukah Party is incredible. It features amazing Torah shows.
Recently, a second Shacharit Minyan for the youth on Shabbat morning started. It is in a separate, large room. It features new chumashim, siddurim, and talitot. A separate entrance is provided. The youth minyan is followed by a Kiddush every Shabbat.
Rabbi Haimof has a warm relationship with the youth. He and his Rabbanit are hospitable to the families. They invite them for Shabbatot and Yamim Tovim. Rabbi Haimof is always available for the community. He is knowledgeable in Torah. He understands the needs of today’s generation.
Kahal Lemaan Achai welcomes all. Come join them for shiurim. The congregation’s Rabbi gives them for adults and children. Experience beautiful and inspiring tefilot led by their Chazan. Join them for special events. These include holiday events, siyumim, avot uvanim, and kidushim. Consider renting their beautiful Simcha hall. It’s perfect for small to medium-sized events. It could be ideal for a Brit, Pidyon Haben, Bar Mitzvah, or Kiddush. The hall suits any special event.
Congregation L’maan Achai continues to grow. It strives to serve Hashem with dedication and peace of mind. This synagogue preserves tradition. It also embraces the future with open arms.