The Caucasus—an ethnically, linguistically and religiously diverse region at the crossroads of Asia and Europe—has been a millennia-old home to two distinct Jewish communities. Join us as we discover the deep-rooted histories and vibrant cultures of Kavkazi/Mountain Jews.

Born in Uzbekistan, Ruben Shimonov is an educator, community builder, and artistic leader passionate about Jewish diversity and intercultural understanding. As a Bukharian Jew who belongs to the ancient Persian-speaking Jewish community of Central Asia, Ruben harnesses his own multilayered identity in his educational, creative and social entrepreneurial work. He is the National Director of Sephardi House and Education at the American Sephardi Federation. ASF's Sephardi House initiative works to enrich Jewish campus life and young leadership with the vibrancy, wisdom and diversity of the Greater Sephardic world. As a visual artist, Ruben uses his multilingual Hebrew, Arabic, and Persian calligraphy to build Muslim-Jewish interfaith bridges and spark conversations about multiculturalism. His art has been featured in international publications and exhibits, including at the U.S. Embassy Residence in Uzbekistan. Ruben has been listed among The Jewish Week’s “36 Under 36” young leaders and changemakers. He is an alumnus of the COJECO Blueprint, Nahum Goldmann, Schusterman ROI, and UJA-Federation of New York Ruskay Institute Fellowships for his work in Jewish social innovation and education. Ruben has lectured extensively on the histories and cultures of Sephardic and Mizrahi communities. Among his speaking engagements, Ruben has given talks at New York University, the University of Southern California, Jewish Federations of North America, and Hillel International, as well as conferences in Greece, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.