World Jewish News

Recent population census has found out the settlement in Voronezh area which inhabitants name themselves Jews and profess Judais

Recent population census has found out the settlement in the Voronezh area, which inhabitants name themselves Jews and profess Judaism. As REN-TV informs, the paradox is that all inhabitants of the settlement Vysokoe are Russians without the slightest tinge of Jewish blood. According to one of versions, Judaic traditions accustomed in Vysokoe due to sermons of an exiled rabbi. History has not fixed his name, as inhabitants of the village did not have annals. There are no synagogues in Vysokoe as building was forbidden first by imperial authority and later by Soviet authority. Therefore all ceremonies were celebrated in domestic conditions. After all interdictions of religion have been taken off in early 90th it was found out there was nobody to erect a temple for. Inhabitants of the neighboring villages treat local Jews right, but nevertheless jealously consider that Israel helps them to live better. Inhabitants of Vysokoe advise that only Voronezh Jewish Community maintains relations with them - during holidays it delivers to Vysokoe matzoth free-of-charge. Still the Promised Land is the same far for residents of Vysokoe as for all other inhabitants of Voronezh region. Some inhabitants of Vysokoe managed to leave for Israel in early 90thl. But for this purpose they had to marry Jewish women. Though others consider themselves to be Jews in several generations, by birth and passports they remain Russians and the entrance to Israeli land is closed for them. However, now in Vysokoe nobody thinks about moving to Israel. The local youth prefers to search fortune in the nearest cities, and old men care only about matzoth to be at the festive table. If matzoth is not brought from Voronezh - they will bake it themselves.

Источник: Jewish.ru