On Wednesday evenings, a group of Bukharian Jewish teenagers can be found on the lower level of the BJCC learning how to fall safely, execute throws, and earn their next belt. Then they sit down for pizza and a Torah lesson.
The program, Torah & Judo, is a new initiative from Rabbi David Shushan, founder of Bcteen, a Bukharian Jewish teen outreach organization. For the past two months, roughly 10 high school boys have been meeting weekly for an hour of judo instruction followed by Torah study with Rabbi Shushan.
Leading the mat sessions is Avi Aranbayev, a judo black belt, professional instructor, and 2000 Olympic hopeful. Current participants hold white, yellow, and orange belts.
“The kids are very excited to come because they see improvement in their skills—both in self-defense and Torah,” Rabbi Shushan told The Bukharian Times.
Torah & Judo meets every Wednesday from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the lower level of the BJCC, located at 106-16 70th Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375. The program is open to all Jewish boys in grades 9–12 and is free of charge. For more information, contact Rabbi David Shushan at 347-690-5701.