Challenges of Jewish Military Conscription

This chapter examines the historical context of Jewish conscription in Russia under Tsar Nicholas I, exploring the bureaucratic obstacles and resistance strategies employed by Jewish communities. It highlights the socio-economic implications of military service, particularly the impact on orphans and widows, and reveals the complexities of Jewish identity amid pressures to integrate into a Gentile state. Additionally, the chapter critiques myths surrounding forced conversions and discusses the broader socio-political tensions during this tumultuous period.