Jewish Schools in Baku Report Enrollment Rise as Community Prepares for Holiday Visitors

Jewish educational institutions in Baku, Azerbaijan, have opened the new academic year with a reported increase in student enrollment. This growth is seen as a reflection of the expanding Jewish life in the city, which boasts a comprehensive community infrastructure including schools, synagogues, a rabbinical court, kashrut services, and welfare programs. An estimated 15,000 Jews, comprising various ethnic groups, reside in Baku.

The community is also preparing for a significant influx of visitors during the upcoming High Holidays (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) and Sukkot, anticipating thousands of Jewish travelers. This surge in tourism, particularly from Israel, is attributed to Baku's relative proximity, direct flights, perceived safety, and positive relations between Azerbaijan and Israel.

Rabbi Zamir Isayev, chairman of the Sephardic community in Baku, has been instrumental in expanding community institutions and strengthening educational, kashrut, and religious services. He highlights the freedom with which Jewish life flourishes in Baku, including public synagogues and schools, a reality not always taken for granted in a predominantly Muslim country. The community actively engages with local authorities and on the international stage, with Rabbi Isayev having met with Donald Trump Jr. earlier this year.

The Jewish education system in Baku encompasses schools and kindergartens, complemented by ongoing Torah classes for all ages, women's programs, and holiday events. This educational revival is particularly significant given the history of suppressed Jewish life under Soviet rule, with a new generation now receiving organized and open Jewish education. The community also operates three synagogues, a Chabad house, and a large synagogue for the Mountain Jews, supported by local authorities.

Beyond religious and educational activities, Baku's Jewish community provides extensive social services, including a hospital visitation network, support for needy families, and a community kitchen. A local Chevra Kadisha ensures proper Jewish burial rites. The growing number of Jewish tourists and residents has also spurred the development of kosher food services, including a recently opened dairy restaurant, with plans for more establishments in the future.