Chabad Bukharian Center
After visiting Phoenix, Arizona, in the winter of 2021, Rabbi Emanuel and Miriam Shimonov, together with their daughter Batsheva, felt inspired to begin a new chapter of service to the Bukharian Jewish community.
They arrived with a vision: to create a warm, welcoming environment where Bukharians throughout the Valley could connect, learn, and grow in their Judaism.
Today, the Chabad Bukharian Center serves as a vibrant hub for Jewish life, offering educational programs, holiday celebrations, community events, and opportunities for individuals and families of all backgrounds to deepen their connection to their heritage.
The Shimonovs
Rabbi Emanuel Shimonov
Rabbi Emanuel Shimonov was born and raised in Calgary, Canada. His family immigrated from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in the late 1980s, together with several other Bukharian families. What began as a small group has, thank G‑d, grown into a thriving Bukharian community.
Like many immigrants from the former Soviet Union, Rabbi Emanuel’s parents had limited access to Jewish education and traditions while growing up. Upon arriving in Canada, they were warmly welcomed by Chabad, where they rediscovered their heritage and developed a lifelong commitment to Jewish learning and observance.
Rabbi Emanuel pursued advanced Torah studies in yeshivot in Toronto, Israel, and New York, where he received his rabbinical ordination, Semicha.
Mrs. Miriam Shimonov
Miriam Shimonov grew up in Chicago as one of ten children. She attended elementary school in Chicago, high school in New York, and later studied in seminary in Canada.
During those years, she dedicated time to volunteer work and educational programs at Chabad centers throughout the region.
In 2021, Emanuel and Miriam were married and began their life together in New Haven, Connecticut, where Miriam worked as a teacher while Rabbi Emanuel continued his advanced rabbinical studies.
Both Emanuel and Miriam come from families whose parents did not grow up with a strong Jewish education. Through the dedication and care of Chabad rabbis and educators in their communities, their families were able to reconnect with Judaism and build strong Jewish homes.
Inspired by the impact Chabad had on their own families, Rabbi Emanuel and Miriam feel privileged to help others strengthen their connection to Judaism, Jewish community, and G‑d. They are honored to serve the Bukharian Jewish community of Phoenix and look forward to continuing to build a vibrant Jewish future together.
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