Jewish Cantonists: Resilience and Conversion

This chapter examines the challenges faced by Jewish Cantonist children in facing coercive conversion efforts to Christianity and the resilience of their Jewish identity. It also explores their involvement in the military and the complexities of conversion, highlighting the economic and social tensions within the Jewish community in the Russian Empire. Additionally, the chapter discusses the controversial role of Jewish individuals in the alcohol trade, emphasizing the broader societal impact and historical narratives surrounding their influence on peasant life.