The Background and Theoretical Exploration of the National-State Identity of the Russian Jews

Abstract

Historically, the national-state identity of Russian Jews has continuously encountered various setbacks and failures. The reasons for this can be analyzed from both external historical and internal cultural perspectives. On the external historical level, apart from the general influence of“anti-Semitism,” the evolution of the national-ethnic theories and policies of Russia and the former Soviet Union, as well as their interactions with Jews, certainly should be more direct and specific considerations. At the same time, on the internal cultural level, it is essential to deeply understand the unique historical experiences and religious identity patterns of Jews, which have had a profound impact on their self-identification and the making of their modern “nationality”.