Amurzet
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Amurzet (Russian: Амурзет) is a village (selo) in the Jewish Autonomous Oblast, Russia, located 250 kilometers (155 mi) from Birobidzhan.[1][2] It is the administrative center of Oktyabrsky District. The population of amurzet is 5,213 (2006 est.).[3]
[edit] History
Amurzet began in 1929 as a large collective farm. [4] Specifically, Amurzet has a history of Jewish settlement in the JAO since its inception. [5] Concerning the period 1929 through 1939, this village was the center of Jewish settlement for the area south of Birobidzhan. [6]
[edit] Jewish community
The present day Jewish community members hold Kabalat Shabbat ceremonies and gatherings that feature songs in Yiddish, Jewish cuisine, and discussions on Jewish culture. Today, many descendants of the founders of this settlement have left their native village, while others remain. Present day inhabitants of Amurzet, especially those having relatives in Israel, are learning about more about the traditions and roots of the Jewish people and religion.[7] As of 2004, Amurzet has an amateur Yiddish theater. [8] In 2005, in preparations during Purim, Amurzet held a stage performance based on the Book of Esther. [9]
