In less than a century, Jews in Russia have survived two world wars, revolution, political and economic turmoil, and persecution by both Nazis and Soviets. Yet they have managed not only to survive, but also transform themselves and emerge as a highly creative, educated entity that has transplanted itself into other countries. Revolution, Repression and Revival: The Soviet Jewish Experience enhances our understanding of the Russian Jewish past by bringing together some of the latest thinking by the leading scholars from the former Soviet Union, Israel and the United States. The book explains the contradictions, ambiguities and anomalies of the Russian Jewish story and helps us understand one of the most complex and unsettled chapters in modern Jewish history. The Soviet Jewish story has had many fits and starts as it transfers from one chapter of Soviet history to another and eventually, from one country to another. Some believe that the chapter of Russian Jewry is coming to a close. Whatever the future of Russian Jewry may be, it has a rich, turbulent past. Revolution, Repression and Revival sheds new light on the past, illustrating the complexities of the present, and gives needed insights into the likely future.

About the Author
Zvi Gitelman is professor of Judaic studies and political science at the University of Michigan. He is author or editor of 10 books including; Jewish Life After the USSR and A Century of Ambivalence: The Jews in Russia and the Soviet Union. Yaacov Ro'i is professor of history at Tel Aviv University. He is author or editor of 9 books including Russian Jews on Three Continents, Jews and Jewish Life in Russia and the Soviet Union, and Jewish Culture and Identity in the Soviet Union.

Reviews
The finest international scholars examine some of the most intriguing, yet under-researched aspects of Soviet Jewish experiences, ranging from the Jewish participation in civil war and social and demographic trends of Soviet Jewry during early and late Soviet periods. The most interesting parts of the volume deal with post-Soviet experiences. For the first time, the issues of Jewish demographics in post-Soviet space, the relationship between Vladimir Putin and Russian Jewish community, as well as post-Soviet Jewish Diaspora in Israel are discussed in the context of Soviet Jewish history. The editors did a wonderful job in putting the essays together, and opening new horizons in the field of Russian Jewish history and society. This is a true tribute to the spirit and finest quality of Mordechai Altshuler's works. -- Anna Shternshis, University of Toronto
The essays are scholarly, informative, and readable. Recommended. * CHOICE *
A valuable collection. It will be of use to those who wish to sample some of the most important work being done on the Soviet and post-Soviet Jewish experience. * East European Jewish Affairs, November 2009 *
Gitelman and Ro'i have brought together some of the most well established and up-and-coming scholars in this wonderful tribute to Mordechai Altshuler. The authors reveal exciting new material about Soviet Jewish history from newly mined archives. They explore everything from how Zionism survived so long in the early Soviet state to the intricacies of Putin-era Jewish politics. -- David Shneer, University of Denver



Book Information
ISBN 9780742558175
Author Zvi Gitelman
Format Hardback
Page Count 418
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Publisher Rowman & Littlefield
Weight(grams) 760g
Dimensions(mm) 238mm * 162mm * 23mm