Jewish Identity and Peasant Life in Russia

This chapter explores the intricate historical realities of Jewish identity and the status of peasantry in Russia, challenging misconceptions about persecution prior to the Soviet era. Through reflections of emigrants, it reveals the inequalities faced by both Jews and peasants while highlighting the agricultural knowledge and self-governance of the peasant class. The narrative further investigates the impact of political reforms and societal dynamics on peasant life, alongside the migration of Jewish communities to the United States and the emergence of organized crime influenced by historical contexts.