In a recent Heritage Words podcast episode, our Director of Elementary, Morah Ilana Mansharov, shared a heartfelt exploration of her heritage and her commitment to preserving the Juhuri language and culture. Born in Israel to a family with roots in Quba, Azerbaijan, Ilana grew up immersed in the Judeo-Tat language of her ancestors. This language, known as Juhuri, blends Hebrew, Persian, Turkish, and Russian, reflecting her family’s unique history. Ilana’s story highlights her and her family’s resilience in keeping the language alive in Canada through family life and traditions.
The Interview
In the interview, Ilana describes teaching her children kinship terms in Juhuri, like “deday” and “bebay” meaning mother and father. Used to refer to their great-grandparents, this small practice has helped her children build connections to their roots. Ilana also shares how Juhuri became a ‘secret language’ with her parents in adulthood, shaped by their North American surroundings. This experience has allowed her to reconnect with and revitalise an important part of her heritage.
Reflecting on her goals, Ilana hopes to establish a non-profit organisation to preserve and teach Juhuri. She aims to achieve this not only through language classes but also by exploring cultural aspects like music, culinary traditions, and art. To honour the uniqueness of the Jewish community and our diverse identities, Ilana believes we must put in extra effort to maintain and share our histories, heritage, and beautiful stories.
Where to watch
This podcast episode highlights the diversity within Judaism and the significance of preserving each community’s unique traditions. Ilana’s story showcases how language can bridge generations, fostering a deep sense of identity and continuity. Discover Ilana’s journey and passion for reviving Juhuri through the lens of cultural preservation. Listen to the full episode of Heritage Words found here on YouTube, as well as on Spotify and Apple.
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Our Meet the Community blog column gives Heschel families the opportunity to get to know some of the people who make a difference at The Toronto Heschel School.
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