Conflicts of Identity and Authority

This chapter explores the fraught relationship between the Jewish community and Russian authorities in the mid-19th century, focusing on tax policies and governmental inefficiencies. It examines the complex strategies employed by Tsar Nicholas I towards Jewish integration and the influence of Western perspectives, particularly through the visit of Sir Moses Montefiore. The narrative highlights the socio-economic roles of Jews and the challenges they faced, portraying a dynamic of resistance against perceived assimilation efforts and the broader political implications during this turbulent era.