Jewish Identity and Nationalism in Tsarist Russia

This chapter examines the historical complexities of Jewish conversions to Christianity and the nuanced relationships between Russian and Polish Jews during the reign of Alexander II. It highlights the tensions between Jewish identity, loyalty to the state, and the impact of political reforms on perceptions of nationalism. The narrative also explores the contrasting views on assimilation and cultural retention, as well as the role of organizations like the Alliance Israelite Universelle in shaping Jewish identity in the late 19th century.