THE LAST SHTETL: Visiting Azerbaijan’s Mountain Jews

Visiting the Jewish town of Krasnaya Sloboda/Qirmizi/Quba in Azerbaijan, which is home to a very ancient and unique community of Mountain Jews, and considered to be the last remaining Shtetl on earth.
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[@igalshalmayev8178]

my parents are from this village. i was born and raised in israel. last year my parents went back to visit after more than 40 years that they havent been there and i joined them, we visted this cemetery and their old houses where they used to live. for me it was very important to see where they came from and understand my roots. was very beutifull trip, the country is amaizing and the people where so kind... i will definitely go there again

[@someone-qz4wj]

מדהים!

[@hbkhazar1643]

I'm from Baku. Israel and Azerbaijan brother.

[@KG7M_OR]

Very wonderful that you were able to visit!

[@TimberlandQueen4444]

My great grandmother comes from there

[@michaeltuffin5002]

@@someone-qz4wj Ur word for stunning is mysterious and stunning

[@meirmigir1413]

This is awesome. I am a mountain jew from Azerbaijan. Thank you for doing this.

[@MrMikkyn]

Amazing to know. Thanks for sharing your presence

[@misharo35]

Dağ Yahudileri'nin hepsi Azerice biliyor mu? Sadece Judeo-Tad mı biliyorlar?

[@ctteabrix7553]

i understand that most 'mountain jews' know azeri, russian, and judeo-tat, but which one is used commonly in daily life for conversations etc?

[@newpageinmylife]

@@ctteabrix7553 Juhuri of course

[@ahulmand]

My grandparents from Krasnaja Sloboda but my parents and I were born in Baku. 🇮🇱🇦🇿🇺🇸

[@faridk89]

My family (not jewish) are from the next village over and are Muslim. I love telling my friends in Canada that Jewish and Muslims CAN get along, and I have proof!

[@BlazedBob]

Canada needs all the real insight it can get. Very bad controlling media and government factions that push the hate propaganda. I didn't realize it was that bad there till a year ago when i started looking into Trudeau after kept praising the CCP. China has one of the most racist & dangerous dictatorships on the planet... They do not want us all to get along but as long as we block all that hogwash out we will flourish together

[@briocheoleary5043]

Is that the village across the river. Or another one? Ta

[@vasiframazanli4416]

Perfect

[@y25151956]

Are you from kusar?

[@b3nl555]

@@BlazedBob oh god even canada is in on that whole ccp thing. cant really blame them, they need money after all.

[@hopi555hopi]

I’m living in Brooklyn, NY. We moved from Baku in 2016. My parents from that village. And on cemetery that grave With Sasun Sasunov on it. That is my grandmother cousin from mom side. In Azerbaijan lived a lot Jewish population. An in that town everybody was Orthodox Jew. People moved to Israel, US and Russia mostly and coming to visit summer time close to t,sh bi av time. And so many people you could see on cemetery. God Bless you.thank you for this video I showed to my parents.

[@mukhtarsadigov3343]

🇦🇿❤️🇮🇱

[@sugasheeze]

Came from Peter's channel and your videos are amazing. Thank you.

[@ShloimeZionce]

🙏

[@hannabg4259]

Me too lol

[@shadurg]

Same and agreed!

[@ucevrim]

Without you that amazing series would not have happened.

[@burechwertzberger7678]

Me too

[@menisasonov4454]

The firs grave you saw Sassononv sasson ben menachem is my grandfather, he died after the war, he was excellent officer, ...thank you for sharing it for us!!!!

[@lavender5765]

Sasson family is a well known Iraqi jew

[@evelin80]

My hometown, I grew up there . Thanks for the video. Reminded me of my childhood

[@benjamin-df2qv]

do u speak juhuri?

[@evelin80]

@@benjamin-df2qv yes

[@benjamin-df2qv]

@@evelin80 this is unique language, became very rare to listen here in israel.

[@YukiTogawa]

I came from Peter's video too. I've been studying about Jewish communities in Persia. You are doing a spectacular thing. Hatred is a byproduct of ignorance. You are helping the world to learn. Thank you very much.

[@guyeshel9316]

Thank you for this amazing glimpse into the Jewish community in Azerbaijan

[@rosmill1]

Beautiful you’re videos are amazing keep them coming

[@ShloimeZionce]

Thank You! Your kind words really mean a lot to me.

[@GrahamConnor]

So interesting. I always dream about what the Shtetls would have been like to live and grow up in, so thank you for taking the effort to travel and make this recording!

[@mizrahiwithattitude2733]

its not a Shtetl

[@parvana891]

Greetings from Turkey! I was looking for a video about Red City to send my American and Turkish friends who were going to visit Azerbaijan, Guba soon. I wanted to recommend them to visit this awesome place, tiny Israel 😇 Thank u for this video, it is very helpful 🙏

[@keithrichardson3942]

Good to see you... I saw you showing Peter Santenello around Brooklyn, this is very interesting

[@SC-yx7sb]

I also came from Peter's channel. This is so interesting and nice to see.

[@RunnerSandman]

Your litany on death gave me a profound breakthrough the value of which I can never repay. Bless you.

[@chachagamerhaihumare5637]

I was amazed to know that few people fought in Jerusalem over Karabakh war, now happy to know Azeri Jews. They have played an important role in keeping up the Azerbaijan.

[@NikaBoyce]

"You cant escape death but life can escape you" So very well put, to the point. That is a perfect nugget of wisdom.

[@birdman9265]

Love learning about our ancestral religion through you. I really appreciate and love your videos and they are so informative! Thank you, Shloime!

[@AviFrankel]

This video contained the message I really needed to hear today. Made me think about life, about mortality, about meaning. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@ShloimeZionce]

Thank you! G-D Bless You!

[@AviFrankel]

@@ShloimeZionce Right back atcha!

[@Amir_Khosrowshahi]

I love the rugs they are in Azeri design, all natural and takes 6 months, probably imported from Tabriz

[@geoffreyk9164]

I have been to Azerbaijan many times and I collect rugs- from what I could see, yes, I agree, they are Azeri designs. If they did come from Iran, yes, most likely from Tabriz, as most of the people there are actually Azeri.

[@Amir_Khosrowshahi]

@@geoffreyk9164 lol

[@geoffreyk9164]

@@Amir_Khosrowshahi ?

[@Babsie4826]

Bless your heart Shloime. I was shocked to see you in this video as I did not know you went overseas. Thanks for bringing this great video. You are just Awesome.

[@ShloimeZionce]

More to come!

[@philluck1956]

Shloime, i love your channel!!! keep the videos coming, your fan base is getting strong!

[@abcabcboy]

Azerbaijan will be blessed for the way they treat their Jews.

[@dszxnavtiisx6384]

This is the real islam they allow the people of the books to practice their religion in peace

[@kokkiedebaker9695]

Peter Santenello, Rabbi Friedman, your trips around the world, your hospitality in NY, thank you, bless you

[@ShloimeZionce]

Wow, thank you

[@im4485]

Growing up in Baku I had two Jewish friends...they moved to USA... Hope to see them again :)

[@MrPickledede]

We in Israel love your beautiful country!!

[@im4485]

@@MrPickledede Nice... We love Jewish people... We proved it too...come visit and you will see :)

[@MrPickledede]

@@im4485 I will come as soon as possible! God bless you

[@MrPickledede]

@Comrade Dogge Yes of course!

[@rachellesmith4726]

So interesting. Enjoying your videos. Very informative. 👍

[@ShloimeZionce]

Thank You. Glad you like them! and of course I appreciate the feedback!

[@FUZZYnow]

Love the video! Thanks for showing the beautiful diversity of Azerbaijani society! 🇦🇿❤️🇮🇱 just a small comment, the carpets on the floors are local Azerbaijani carpets.

[@SarahAvi]

This I where my family is from 💗

[@artworkporn7674]

I just wanted to say how much i like the video.. i live in germany for 18 years now but i used to live on the hill where the new cemetry is. @ 11:39 is my uncle on the right side putting on his talit. Thank you for the Video. Shalom

[@liamsteel2926]

I too was introduced via Peters channel, I am not Jewish but I have loved learning about your people’s ways, all that hiking Shloime, we will need a song the real Slim Shloime! Great work👍

[@mossbresnahan3072]

Thanks for showing me this place I'd never knew existed!

[@rosiehill4096]

You give us much to think about. I am never disappointed. I agree with you about the cemetery chat you had with us at about 9:00.

[@moona178]

Amazing video brother. Shedding light on something beautiful

[@ShloimeZionce]

Much appreciated

[@slerner1217]

dude !!!! you are making a wonderfull work keep going

[@cholententertainment6516]

Love your videos keep them up continue posting

[@ShloimeZionce]

Cholent Entertainment thank you! I really appreciate it. Lots of good stuff coming IYH

[@cholententertainment6516]

Shloime Zionce yay 😁

[@Iamchasidish]

Just spent a Shobbis there it was beautiful

[@hopi555hopi]

Can we see any video or review?

[@erikadubinksky4327]

We are loving your videos. Especially during Covid when we can not travel. You are getting such an amazing world perspective - and appreciation for other cultures and people. Keep traveling and learning!

[@edmurks236]

Great little town very clean I really like the houses. Real people live in them.Thanks for the video showing insights into one of these remaining all Jewish Shtetls.and the synagogue is beautiful.

[@carendancer8265]

Saw you on Peter's channel so I have just subscribed to yours. Love the videos and what both of you are doing to bring people together and share our commonalities/differences.

[@ShloimeZionce]

Thanks and welcome

[@gottbean5440]

Thank you Shloime for your wonderful videos 💗

[@JewishKeto]

A fully Jewish city is wonderful. I didn’t grow up as a religious Jew but I love my people so much and want that for my children one day.

[@s6edge706]

Thessaloniki was also jewish majority city during ottoman rule

[@chargerscatpacknyc]

You are doing great and awesome job my brother i am also from this village living now in Brooklyn NY , let As-em bless you and your family my brother, together we strong 👍👍🤝💪💪

[@tzviweiss3731]

Wow!! This is just amazing!!! I love this! Im extremely interested in shtetl life. I have many book on the time period. But this video just took to the next step. I would never know theres still a shtetl somewhere. I would love to visit there sometime!! Thanks!

[@kc-wr1ui]

my grandma comes from a tiny shtetl in hungary ! from a fellow Hasidic Jew

[@acrobat6217]

this is what i was looking for. Have been doing some research as of late on Azeri Jews. Thanks Shloime.

[@lindacosta5688]

Thank you for this informative video :) I’m always curious to discover Sephardic communities ❤️

[@MrEVAQ]

They're not Sephardic.

[@nomadicfarid6802]

Azerbaijan is the country where Jew population has lived and live safely. Even there is a national hero who participated at first Karabagh war.

[@MOE435]

Thanks for the amazing informative clip!

[@markclayton626]

Great vid, thanks for sharing, thanks for your time.

[@SchelumielHamilton]

I know that this is late, but this is where my grandmother was from. Beautiful place and never will forget the loving people and amazing beauty. I thank you, Shloime to sharing this to the world!

[@MrMikkyn]

I wish there was a subtitled translation of what they were teaching inside the shul. I love listening to Jewish religious lectures

[@ShaareiZoharDaas]

Check out Rabbi Mizrachi here on KZbin.

[@DinuSirbu]

Thank you for sharing it!

[@bf9389]

amazing as usual!!!!keep up your great work and videos!

[@ShloimeZionce]

Thanks! I really appreciate it! G-D Bless YOU!

[@elianayocheved770]

Aw this is wonderful. ❤️

[@geoffreyk9164]

@Shloime Zionce, I just learned about your channel and have watched a ton of your content already- nice work. Pre-Covid, I was traveling 50-75% of the year and my experiences mirror that of yours (and Peter’s, whose channel I also just learned about and how I found you). What you guys are doing is a service to humanity. Many people always tell me that I should write or do videos like yours when they hear my stories, but I don’t have the skill set or the time. I’m glad that you’ve picked up the mantle so others can see what we’ve experienced. I have been to Azerbaijan many times and have been in many villages all over the country like the ones you visited, but I’ve never been around Quba so I’ll have to try to check it out the next time I’m there. I do recall my clients pointing out “Jewish houses” in other villages, as apparently their front gates are distinguishable so I was aware of the Jewish tradition in the country though. Also, I’m guessing you stayed in the old town near the Maiden’s Tower in Baku. There are a number of boutique hotels that are meant to look like the old karavaneseris and it could have definitely been an old structure with a remodeled interior. I’ll keep an eye out for you the next time I’m in Boro Park. I would be happy to talk story over a slice in Mendelsohn’s.

[@chanchy770]

Wow that part that you took upon yourself to light a candle and say some brochos לעילוי נשמת Sason ben Menachem is really inspiring!! very soon is ט"ו בשבט in 2021 so Beli Neder I'll try to light a candle in his merit too b"h look how מצוה גוררת מצוה yashar koiach to you!

[@billybobjohnadamjoe]

8:20 Part of what you’re saying is why holidays like Dia De Los Muertos really get people in-tuned with death and those who have come before. Spending an entire night in a cemetery with your family at your ancestor’s graves and setting up shrines in their honor really makes you thankful for life.

[@ShaareiZoharDaas]

We don't do that though we are conscious of history without doing these types of things that you mentioned which are rooted in paganism.

[@dansgaminglab4482]

That synagogue with the “hillel Ben hayim” txt you stood in front of, that person has donated a good amount to the shul in order to keep it functioning.

[@AJen912]

Watched Peter’s videos and they lead me here! I’ve never seen a graveyard on the side of a hill/mountain. It was really interesting!

[@gabi.finlay]

Just found your channel. Pretty nice and interesting videos 👍🏼

[@whitemailprivilege2830]

From Peter ?

[@praisegod3768]

Amazing to see this!!

[@ShloimeZionce]

We agree!

[@veeee516]

This is just amazing. Thank you

[@debrabonavisa1366]

Another great video, Shloime!

[@rafaelnabizade9591]

🇮🇱❤🇦🇿

[@AxEl-kz7kp]

Azeroach

[@tabataba9986]

You're a good bloke mate

[@evesmith1769]

Wish we could have got to see and talk with the people more. All in all it was a great video.

[@lindabonomi7274]

Really, really fascinating. Thank you.

[@iracool65]

What a great video! It was very interesting to watch. In the 5th century, Jews ruled in Azerbaijan for a short period (Khazar Khanate)

[@alonelymockbird3899]

They were turkic jews 🇹🇷❤️🇮🇱❤️🇦🇿

[@noahjob8433]

Khazar khanate is turkic empire,only few state men were judaism religion

[@poissonpuerile8897]

This place is simply amazing! I don't know if you plan on making more videos of this shtetl, but this one has raised so many questions for me... Do the inhabitants still speak Yiddish? Are there any young people, or have they all moved out to places with more options to work and study? Are there any women at all there? I don't think I saw a single one there!

[@vurgunabbasov8219]

People speak Azerbaijani, but some speak Russian as well. Maybe there are some old generation who still speak Yiddish.

[@debbain5864]

So nice to know. Teaches me to not always think we know something. I always thought the Jews were stand offish totally, but I see they are kind.

[@Didisayhi]

Wow you are an amazing journalist!!! Keep it up!!! It’s very entertaining

[@KodeshKodeshKodesh]

My great grandfether is from that area, i would love to live there, looks great

[@RRRR-vt8nv]

Azerbaijan is multicultural land. We love jewish people❤️

[@JasonLewis-nf5ft]

Yashasyn Our Azerbaijan Brothers and Sisters!!!!! 🇮🇱 🤝 ❤️🤝🇦🇿

[@glencora6340]

Beautiful ❤️! Shalom ✡️!

[@Someoneudontknow1231]

this is so cool, from baku but moved when i was a baby

[@Michael19830106]

This is NOT a shtetl! This is NOT Eastern Europe. I have spent my childhood at my uncle's there. A great place for us Jews.

[@i.s1134]

I'm tired of people calling it shtetl

[@zahavailan3782]

The town looks so cute and clean! I wish we would’ve met some more of the people though

[@warmspell7562]

Fascinating. Thank you.

[@avisjohnson6185]

Your videos are magnificent!

[@Rudster14]

There's a book you might like called the lost shtetle and it's a fiction book about a shtetle that managed to stay hidden throughout the Holocaust and survived into the modern day

[@ShloimeZionce]

That’s so cool! I’ll check it out!

[@bettyk8105]

Very insightful observation about cemeteries.

[@lb8965]

Thanks Shloime. I know this might sound strange coming from a Muslim but you've made me develop a fascination with Jews.

[@ShloimeZionce]

Thank you my friend! I really appreciate it

[@lb8965]

@@ShloimeZionce You're very welcome. It's important that we all get a better understanding of one another. In the Qur'an, it is stated that Allah "have created you (humans) from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you".

[@brendonroot3724]

I'm glad you've developed an interest in learning about Jews. I feel the same way about Islam. It's great that we can learn about one another

[@MB-vt5cw]

Cool channel with unique perspective!

[@mottyk8491]

I have to start getting AMI as I like your stories

[@lilafeldman8630]

I wanna come visit!

[@sprtwlf9314]

Loved your words on life and death. So true

[@S.Zamanli]

I love the Jews in our country🙏🏻❤️☺️🇦🇿

[@khaihalevi5709]

The way you're holding that camera at 4:54 gave me anxiety 🤣 seriously though, this is awesome! 👍 L'khaim Akhi!

[@SamanthaSeltzer]

Is there a women’s section in the shul? I loved watching your video because I’ve been wanting to visit this shtetl for so long, and am so glad to have gotten a Jewish look inside. However, as a Jewish woman, I would obviously not be able to go to the bima like you did, but I’m just wondering if there is a place for me to daven if I were to be able to go?

[@sarahk8397]

Looks like he went upstairs and video'd the class below- that was probably the women's section up there

[@ursulawayne9384]

Amazing. May HaShem bless you with safety, health and much goodness!

[@elkwyre]

Mountain Jews are different from City Jews - I like them all because they're honest folk.

[@reinamendez2553]

Me encantó!

[@supermariosionduggan7545]

very brilliant mountain house

[@yousseflahbil679]

Come visit Morocco

[@benjizion7365]

So this is technically a Quban Shtetl 🇨🇺🤝🇦🇿🤪

[@ShloimeZionce]

LOLZ ;-)

[@vasiframazanli4416]

❤️🇦🇿🇮🇱

[@josephindeveaux3006]

Have you been to the Jewish cemetary in Prague? It’s beautiful.

[@AbrahamsBridges]

Thanks for sharing! I read today that Jews in this region have an oral tradition that they’re from the lost tribes. Did they mention this to you? If so, did they say which tribe they are descended from?

[@ShaareiZoharDaas]

They are Torah Observant and not " lost"

[@dailydata903]

I love the content . . . USA loves and respect the Jewish People and Israel . . . adding to my learning . . . thank you !!

[@laurenannkattner7030]

I love cemeteries too.