Religious life of Mountain Jews in the North Caucasus in the second half of the XIX c.

Abstract

The article aims to illustrate the evolution of religious practices among the mountain Jews of the North Caucasus during the Russian Empire's colonization of the region in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. The analysis focuses on three key aspects: the adaptation of communities to the new socio-political landscape, the formal recognition of prayer sites, and the establishment of the clergy's status. The imposition of imperial regulations imposed constraints that often diluted the distinct Mountain Jewish traditions, diverging from the norms of Ashkenazi Jewish groups within the Russian Empire.

The reconfiguration of mountain Jewish communities, including their relocation to new settlements near Russian fortresses like Nalchik and Grozny, is explored. The article delves into the process of legitimizing prayer houses, some of which previously operated informally. Additionally, the presence of rabbis in North Caucasian settlements is quantified, shedding light on the religious leadership within the community. The study also scrutinizes the procedures for appointing clerical figures in mountain Jewish societies, revealing insights into their governance structures.