The Future of the Jewish Community in the Republics of the Former Soviet Union

Publication Date: January 1995

Publisher: Jewish Communal Service Association of North America

Author(s): Ephraim Tabory

Research Area: Culture and religion; Population and demographics

Keywords: Outreach; Diaspora Relations; Communal Organization

Type: Report

Coverage: Russia (Federation)

Abstract:

Focus on the struggle to "let my people go" from the Soviet Union has given way to the need to absorb Russian Jews in Israel, the United States, and other countries and the examination of the impact of the Russians (and immigrants from other republics) on the absorbing societies. It is now clear that not all Jews from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) will leave, even though they have the opportunity to do so. This article analyzes the possibility of the development of a dynamic Jewish community in the CIS. Although much Jewish activity is taking place within the CIS, the demographics of the migration movement and the nature of the Jewish identity of those remaining lead to a negative prognosis about the future development of an organized Jewish community in the CIS.