Beit Kavkaz

House of the Caucasus — Strength, Faith, Heritage

Our Community

Our Leadership

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Rabbi Ruvinov

Spiritual Leader of Beit Kavkaz

Rabbi Ruvinov carries forward generations of Mountain Jewish spiritual tradition. His mission is clear: to build a community that honors the strength and faith of our Kavkazi ancestors while embracing the future with open arms.

Under his guidance, Beit Kavkaz has become a gathering place for families seeking connection to their roots — a place where Juhuri is spoken, traditions are lived, and every member is valued. His leadership is rooted in humility, knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to our people.

Shirly Ruvinov

Shirly Ruvinov is the heart of community building at Beit Kavkaz. Through cultural programming, family outreach, and tireless dedication, she ensures that every event, every gathering, and every initiative strengthens the bonds between families. Her vision: a community where every Mountain Jewish family in Southeast Michigan feels at home.

Our Heritage

Roots that stretch from ancient Persia to the peaks of the Caucasus

Historic Mountain Jewish village in the Caucasus

From Ancient Persia to the Caucasus

The Mountain Jews — Juhuro — trace their origins to the ancient Persian Empire, settling in the rugged Caucasus Mountains of present-day Azerbaijan and Dagestan over two thousand years ago. They built communities of extraordinary resilience, maintaining Jewish faith and identity through centuries of changing empires.

The Jewish Valley — Krasnaya Sloboda

Qırmızı Qəsəbə (Krasnaya Sloboda) in Azerbaijan stands as a testament to our people — the only all-Jewish town outside of Israel. For centuries, this vibrant settlement preserved Juhuri language, customs, and a fierce independence that defined Mountain Jewish character.

Warriors, Builders, Believers

Mountain Jews earned renown as warriors and community builders. Military bravery, fierce loyalty to family, and deep religious devotion are hallmarks of Kavkazi identity — values we carry into every generation, including here in Southeast Michigan.

Azeri

Xoş gəlmisiniz

Welcome

Farsi

خوش آمدید

Welcome

Juhuri

Хуш омэдид

Welcome

Traditions & Values

The pillars that define Mountain Jewish life

Family Honor

Семья

Family is the foundation of everything. Every decision, every celebration, every sacrifice is made for the strength and dignity of the family unit.

Respect for Elders

Уважение

Elders are honored above all. Their wisdom, experience, and guidance form the compass by which the community navigates every challenge.

Hospitality

Меhмондуслуг

A guest is a gift from God. The Kavkazi table is always full, the door always open, and every visitor leaves honored and fed.

Faith & Prayer

Нюмоз

Prayer and devotion sustain the soul. Through daily practice and sacred observance, we maintain our covenant with the Almighty.

Community Unity

Единство

One community, one purpose. Mountain Jews stand together — in celebration and in hardship, as we have for millennia.

Cultural Pride

Горость

We are Gorsky Jews — Mountain Jews — and we carry that identity with strength. Our language, our customs, our history: a source of unshakeable pride.

Learn Juhuri

The Judeo-Tat language — a living bridge to our ancestors

Juhuri (Cyrillic) Transliteration English Azeri Farsi
Greetings — Салом
Шолум Sholum Peace / Hello Salam سلام
Тешекюр Teshekür Thank you Təşəkkür تشکر
Хуш омэдид Khush omedid Welcome Xoş gəlmisiniz خوش آمدید
Family — Оилэ
Педер Peder Father Ata پدر
Модер Moder Mother Ana مادر
Биродер Biroder Brother Qardaş برادر
Хоор Khoor Sister Bacı خواهر
Blessings — Дуо
Худо рохмэт кунэд Khudo rokhmet kuned God bless Allah rəhmət eləsin خدا رحمت کند
Бэ имонит Be imonit With faith İmanla با ایمان
Daily Words — Hар руз
Нун Nun Bread Çörək نان
Ов Ov Water Su آب
Хуб Khub Good Yaxşı خوب

Traditional Proverbs — Мэсэлhо

"Дерехт бе тамиз — мивэ бе тамиз."

"A clean tree bears clean fruit."

"Меhмон — рохмэт Худо."

"A guest is a blessing from God."

"Зувон ширин — дуст бисьёр."

"A sweet tongue makes many friends."

"Бе кор — бе нун."

"No work — no bread."

Programs & Services

Serving our community through every stage of life

Lifecycle Events

Bar & Bat Mitzvah celebrations, traditional weddings, and respectful funeral services — honoring life's sacred milestones with Mountain Jewish customs.

Holiday Celebrations

Rosh Hashanah, Pesach, Sukkot, and more — celebrated with Kavkazi traditions, family gatherings, and the warmth of community.

Youth Programs

Engaging the next generation with cultural education, Juhuri language workshops, and community leadership opportunities.

Social Services

Support for families in need — from immigration assistance to elder care, ensuring no member of our community stands alone.

Cultural Evenings

Nights of traditional music, storytelling, Kavkazi cuisine, and the timeless hospitality that defines our people.

Community Support

Building networks of mutual aid, professional connections, and collective strength across Southeast Michigan.

Gallery

Caucasus mountain landscape
Caucasus Mountains
Interior of a Kavkazi synagogue
Synagogue Interior
Traditional Kavkazi cuisine spread
Kavkazi Cuisine
Historic Mountain Jewish village
Mountain Village

Contact Us

Get in Touch

Southeast Michigan
info@beitkavkaz.org
(555) 123-4567
@beitkavkaz

Send a Message