Why do the Jews of Novosibirsk remain?
It brings me back to Cajuns I met south of New Orleans. Their barrier island persists only thanks to a large pump that moves sand from solid ground. That's when the surf is calm.
Even as the young and hopeful move away, even if most have assimilated beyond recognition, in a city borne of Soviet communism and popular anti-Semitism,
Most of them probably can't leave. Where would they go? No space in Israel, no jobs in America.
You can't just relocate a community, not even if it makes all the sense in the world, as the ground washes away beneath them.
Have you found some Jews? (other than the welcoming Chabad community)
ReplyDeleteNovosibirsk, Novosibirsk.
ReplyDeleteUnderfed, overworked Novosibirsk.
Where else could Sabbath be so sweet?
Novosibirsk, Novosibirsk.
Intimate, obstinate Novosibirsk,
Where I know everyone I meet.
What a frustrating situation. I can't help but think that there's a perfect place for everyone, but I guess getting to that place is not necessarily easy or realistic.
ReplyDeleteHave you been treated differently for being a Jew? Or is your status as an American sort of defuse that attitude? It would be cool if you could post about what the Orthodox service/community is like :)