On the peninsula stretching far into the Caspian Sea, in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, approximately a quarter of the country’s population resides. The Jewish population in the capital is not very large, as Jews have dispersed around the world. However, their connections with the homeland of their fathers remain strong—they come, visit, and return to their homes in Israel, America, Europe, and Russia. Here, in the homeland of the mountain Jews, the Jews of the Caucasus, and a place that has become a home for the Ashkenazi community, the flame of Tradition flickers and warms. There are several minyans in two synagogues, a mikveh, Jewish schools, and even a kosher restaurant.

The women’s club of the Sephardic community, “The Light of Mitzvah”, was recently founded but quickly became a focal point for dozens of Jewish women. For them, the Torah, traditions, and commandments are essential aspects of their lives and self-awareness. In major centers where Jewish life is vibrant, remaining Jewish is relatively easy because it’s “trendy”; Jewish activities are thriving with lessons, various events, meetings, and Shabbats. However, in places like Baku, any, even the most modest, organization has the potential to make a significant impact. If just yesterday our women were the “guardians of the Jewish hearth” individually, each on her own “front,” with the establishment of “The Light of Mitzvah” Torah lessons, celebration of the new moon (“Rosh Chodesh”) with baking challah, and various Jewish activities have entered their lives. The significance of this event in the lives of our dear women cannot be overstated!

And now, a few facts. The women’s club is patronized by the Sephardic community’s rabbi, Rabbi Zamir Isaev, who occasionally gives lessons to the participants himself. The organizer and inspirer of “The Light of Mitzvah” is the wonderful Georgian Jewess Rivka Katsashvili. She sees the women’s club as a personal project of the utmost importance and invests accordingly!

Frequent speakers at the club include Rabbi Zamir’s wife, Rabbanit Ora-Hana Isaev, Rabbi Uri Superfin, and his wife, Rabbanit Miriam. Other community members, such as Dr. Moisey Becker, a doctor of philosophy in political science, and others, are also occasional guests at the women’s club. The lessons are lively, not just for show; they are interesting and energizing for all participants. In short, each club meeting is a significant event in the Jewish calendar!

Regular participants also make their important contributions to the club’s activities; they are by no means passive listeners. Since the club is attended by women of various professions, the diversity of specialized workshops on a wide range of topics in the club is captivating!

The club is an event, the artery of the city’s Jewish life, with open doors for anyone who cherishes and feels close to Jewish tradition. After all, it is the woman, as the foundation of the Jewish home, who spreads spirituality to the entire family and surroundings. The flame of Judaism, kindled within the walls of “The Light of Mitzvah” begins to blaze more and more brightly, shining on the entire community!