History of Judaism in Russia
In modern Russian Federation Judaism is formally recognized as one of the four traditional religions. Judaism is spread mainly in large cities. The number of Jews in Russia, according to Jewish organizations, is about 1 million.
The first information about Jews in Russia goes back to the time of Khazar Kaganate conquest by Svyatoslav. In 1776 the Jews were given the right to have their own property and practice their faith. In 1791 by decree of Catherine II the Jews received the Pale of Settlement (Byelorussia and Novorossiya). Jewish communities have emerged in major cities before the 19th century. In the years of Soviet power most of the synagogues were closed, rabbis arrested. Today synagogues can be found in almost all major cities.
