The Reality of Religious Persecutions Under the Soviet Regime: A Comparative Analysis of Orthodox Christianity and Judaism

Introduction

The Bolshevik regime, often depicted as fundamentally anti-religious, is frequently cited as the primary perpetrator of persecutions against Orthodox Christianity, yet Jewish persecution also played a significant role. This article delves into the specific actions taken by the Soviet regime against Jews and Orthodox Christians, clarifying the unique nature of these persecutions and challenging common misconceptions.

Persecutions against Orthodox Christians

Contrary to popular belief, the Soviet regime did indeed take measures against Orthodox Christians, though these actions were more targeted at the wealthy and large-scale Orthodox institutions. In the immediate aftermath of the revolution, the Bolsheviks took action to legalise persecuted Christian sects in an effort to combat antisemitism and discrimination against Muslims. However, when the Russian Orthodox Church sided against the newly established regime and refused to aid famine-stricken regions with its resources, the church became a target. The church's properties and some of its leaders were nationalised, and many were persecuted for their religious beliefs.

Persecutions against Jews

While many sources claim that Orthodox Christians suffered most from Soviet persecution, it is often overlooked that the Jewish religion suffered more severe and comprehensive attacks. The Bolsheviks' state atheism not only targeted the Jewish religion but also deeply affected Jewish culture and lifestyle. As mentioned in the book "The Jews in the Soviet Union since 1917", the assault on Jewish religious life was particularly harsh and pervasive because religious beliefs and observances were entwined with every aspect of daily life, including family relations, work, prayer, study, and culture.

According to Richard Pipes in his book "Russia under the Bolshevik regime", an Orthodox Russian could still find solace in literature by authors like Pushkin, Tolstoy, and Chekhov. In contrast, an observant Jew cut off from their Torah, Talmud, and cultural heritage faced a profound cultural loss. This cultural and spiritual exile was a unique feature of Soviet persecution on Judaism.

Evsektsia and the Persecution of Judaism

The creation of "Jewish sections" (Evsektsii) within the Communist Party was a direct attempt to destroy traditional Jewish life, the Zionist movement, and Hebrew culture. These sections began by abolishing traditional Jewish self-governance organizations (Kehillas) in 1919. By 1920, every Jewish cultural organization faced assaults by Evsektsii. Moreover, in 1921, synagogues were confiscated, and Hebrew was banned in the late 1920s due to its association with religious and Zionist movements.

The persecutions included the closure of religious schools, Zionist organizations, and Hebrew publications. Notably, the regime organized mock trials targeting Judaism, sentencing it to death. For instance, on Rosh Hashanah 1921, a "trial" in Kiev saw religious Jews and capitalist Jews presenting opposing testimonies, with the prosecution demanding a death sentence for Judaism. This event, depicted in Zvi Gitelman's "A Century of Ambivalence," highlights the depth of the religious and cultural persecution.

Conclusion

Soviet persecution against Orthodox Christianity and Judaism shared some commonalities, yet each religion faced unique challenges and methods of suppression. While Orthodox Christians often found support and solace in cultural and literary aspects, Jews experienced a more systematic dismantling of their religious, cultural, and social structures. The Jewish persecution under Stalin's regime continued into the 1930s, with Jewish religious practices being severely restricted and many synagogues being shut down.

The unique nature of Soviet anti-Semitism, particularly the role of internal Jewish factions in the persecution, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for comprehending the multifaceted and often contradictory nature of religious policies under the Soviet regime.