Kesher Talk

Jews in odd places: Iraq: Emad Levy, the last recognized rabbi in Iraq, became a rabbi almost by default: when the last ordained rabbi fled the country in 1999, Levy was pressed to assume the title because he knew enough Hebrew to lead Baghdad's Jewish community of 35 men and women in prayer.

Now, at 37, Levy is the man who must chart a new course for what is left of one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. With Saddam gone, Levy is finding that his world has changed, in ways both big and small, thanks to the American military invasion.

But keep in mind, there are only an estimated 35 Jews are left in the country. What remains of Baghdad's Jewish community is a motley assortment of decrepit bachelors, spinsters, and those who simply could not bear to leave their homes. Even some of the Iraqi Jewish refugees are not interested in returning.

posted by William @ 6/09/2003 08:36:17 AM