By Tavriz Aronova
On July 6, 2025, Boris Matatov was elected president of the Bukharian Jewish Community Center, and ever since, readers of The Bukharian Times newspaper have had a legitimate desire to hear from the new leader and understand his aspirations and plans for such a responsible position. Tavriz Aronova conducted an interview with him:
I was well aware that too little time had passed, that a person needed to take over (even if only nominally), dive into the countless problems, understand which issues required his immediate attention, and, most importantly, take a series of organizational actions to solve pressing problems.
I was almost certain I would receive a polite but firm refusal with an assurance that in two months… «please come back then.» So I was surprised by Boris Matatov’s decision. He agreed to the interview, although he strictly limited the time.
We met in the BJCC conference room. I began to ask questions, and he readily answered them.
Tavriz Aronova: I remember well that for many years you persistently refused to run for this position. What happened this time? What or who influenced your decision?
Boris Matatov: This time, it was decided that all members of the board of directors would participate in the vote. The person who received the most votes would become president. People trusted me, and in that situation, I felt it would be wrong to refuse, so I agreed.
T.A.: Boris, what does unity mean to you?
B.M.: “Akhdudi.” [“Unity” in Buhori.] To me, unity means the opposite of disunity and separation. Unity is solidarity and the involvement of every member of our community, every synagogue, and every organization connected with Bukharian Jews in New York in our common cause.
T.A.: Have you already formed your own team that shares your views and that you can rely on?
B.M.: There are a few people I am counting on and who I hope won’t let me down. However, I want to say that the selection of a team of loyal colleagues, consistent like-minded people, and reliable executors is a long, difficult, and sometimes painful process for those who fail to justify the trust placed in them. So the team will be constantly strengthened and replenished by those who want to work for the good of the community.
T.A.: Won’t you name them?
B.M.: (reluctantly) I think that’s premature. We’ll start working, achieve some results, and then you’ll be able to talk to them yourself.
THOUGHTS ON KASHRUT
T.A.: If possible, please name a few particularly important tasks that you intend to solve in your position.
B.M.: I am firmly convinced that our community simply must have its own kashrut. Then our spiritual leadership will have the opportunity to have some influence on the prices of glatt kosher products. We don’t have this opportunity now. I am sure that almost all members of our community will buy only glatt kosher products (especially meat and meat products) if the prices are affordable for every family.
T.A.: How can this be achieved? It sounds unrealistic.
B.M.: (objecting) I recently spoke with those who are ready to finance the delivery of cattle to our slaughterhouses. These are members of the Bukharian Jewish community, very enterprising and knowledgeable people who will be happy to work on this project. It will be possible to agree with them on reasonable pricing. And then prices will become more attractive in glatt kosher stores and restaurants, and people will be able to breathe!
T.A.: (sounding skeptical) That sounds like a fantasy!
B.M.: (firmly) It’s no fantasy! All these issues are completely solvable. Solvable! If all our clergy create their own rabbinate, which will include all 47 of our synagogues and community centers, it is entirely possible! The decisions of this rabbinate will be binding on all members of our community!
T.A.: (ironically) Even on the non-religious?
B.M.: If so-called non-religious people want to eat tested, healthy food (which is what kashrut encourages), then they will come to our grocery stores. But for that to happen, the prices must become affordable! I understand perfectly well that prices are rising everywhere and for everything. But if we can bring this idea to life, believe me, a lot of families will come to us! Community kashrut will become competitive!
THE CEMETERY
T.A.: In recent years, Bukharian Jews have been increasingly faced with various problems related to ritual services. What can you say about this?
B.M.: To solve this issue, we need a Chevra Kadisha organization. It is extremely necessary for us to acquire a plot of land for a community cemetery where we will have the opportunity to erect the necessary buildings for ritual services and, in particular, a khonako (ritual purification house). And only with these components will we solve all the urgent issues. And again, it all comes down to our unity!
T.A.: Why has there not yet been such an important and necessary unification of all our synagogues?
B.M.: That’s not a question for me. I think you should turn to our respected rabbis who lead all our synagogues. I am not competent enough in this matter. At the same time, I am firmly convinced that it simply must be solved in the very near future! Only by uniting and creating our common rabbinate will we be able to overcome the many difficulties that hinder our development!
T.A.: I can’t help but ask about our youth…
B.M.: (catching the thought) Absolutely right! The future is with the youth! We need young people with an interest in Jewish spirituality, sports, science, politics, and social issues! They can become the engines for the development of our community, for the creation of our public organizations and associations that will become true guides to Jewish religion, culture, and history!
I want to hope that the leaders of the community, the heads of synagogues and public organizations, and all interested parties who will support this slogan will hear me: only in unity is our strength!
This was translated from Russian into English.