On January 14, 2026, the Bukharian community gathered at Da Mikelle Illagio in Elmhurst for a meaningful Sefer Torah completion ceremony and fundraiser benefiting Renewal, an organization dedicated to facilitating kidney transplants. The event, which drew 250 attendees, was held in memory of Rachel Aliza Nisanov, daughter of Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov.
On January 14, 2026, the Bukharian community gathered at Da Mikelle Illagio in Elmhurst for a meaningful Sefer Torah completion ceremony and fundraiser benefiting Renewal, an organization dedicated to facilitating kidney transplants. The event, which drew 250 attendees, was held in memory of Rachel Aliza Nisanov, daughter of Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov.
«Over 65 Bukharians over the last 12 years, since 2012, got a new lease on life, which is a kidney,» Rabbi Nisanov explained. «There are currently 21 Bukharians on the waiting list.» The fundraiser was organized by the Nisanov family together with the Matayev family to support Renewal’s critical work in the community.
Among the distinguished guests was Shabbos Kestenbaum, the Jewish activist who made headlines for his lawsuit against Harvard and his appearance at the Republican National Convention. Kestenbaum recently announced his own kidney donation, embodying the spirit of selfless giving that Renewal champions.
Renewal works with transplant centers across the United States and internationally to match donors and recipients, providing comprehensive support throughout the transplant process. Rabbi Nisanov now serves as Rabbinical Liaison within the Bukharian community for the organization. According to Renewal’s statistics, the organization has facilitated over 1,300 kidney transplants and currently has more than 300 patients on their waiting list.
Erin Levi
Фото Рафаэль Кайков