Mountain Jews

Mountain Jews or Juhuro is a community of Jews who have lived in the Caucasus for centuries. They are the descendants of Persian Jews from Iran.

History

Mountain Jews have a rich history that dates back to the 5th century BCE. They are believed to have settled in the Caucasus region after the Babylonian captivity of the Jewish people. Over the centuries, they have maintained their religious and cultural practices, while also adopting elements of the cultures of their neighbors.

Culture

The culture of the Mountain Jews is a unique blend of Jewish and Caucasian traditions. They have their own dialect, called Juhuri, which is a mix of Persian, Azerbaijani, and Russian. Their traditional music and dance styles are also heavily influenced by the cultures of the Caucasus.

Religion

Mountain Jews are known for their strong adherence to Judaism. They have preserved many ancient Jewish traditions and customs, some of which are no longer practiced by other Jewish communities. Their religious practices are mainly Orthodox, but there are also elements of Mystic Judaism in their beliefs.

Cuisine

The cuisine of the Mountain Jews is a fusion of Jewish and Caucasian culinary traditions. It includes dishes like kubbeh, a type of dumpling made from bulgur wheat and stuffed with meat, and dolma, a dish made from grape leaves stuffed with rice and meat.

Demographics

Today, the majority of Mountain Jews live in Israel, with significant communities also in Russia, Azerbaijan, and the United States. They continue to maintain their unique culture and traditions, while also integrating into the societies of their host countries.

See also

• History of the Jews in the Caucasus
• Jewish ethnic divisions
• Jewish cuisine