JUDAISM IN SMOLENSK PROVINCE IN THE 1905s-1917s: A HISTORICAL AND LEGAL ASPECT
The Jewish community in Smolensk province was one of the largest communities along with Moscow and St. Petersburg ones at the beginning of the XXth century. The history of Judaism development in the territory of Smolensk province in the 1905s-1917s is closely connected with the the Russian legislation compliance of the previous period concerning the Jewish population, and as well as implementation of the norms proclaimed by the decree «On Strengthening of Religious Tolerance» of April 17, 1905. The archive documents newly introduced by the author into the scientific use make it possible to broaden our understanding of Judaism development in Smolensk region during the historic period under consideration. A characteristic feature of this period was the contradiction between observance of the legal norms and the desire to prevent the growth of Judaism in the territory of Smolensk province. The provincial authorities monitored the manner in which the conversion of the Jews into Orthodoxy, Catholicism and Protestantism religions was carried out. Under the authorities’ control the questions were simultaneously raised on the houses of worship construction and the placement of burying for the Jews. In resolving these issues the provincial authorities relied on the current Russian legislation in the relevant field («Medical Regulations», «Construction Regulations», «Statutes of Spiritual Affairs of Foreign Confessions», etc.). The study findings significantly complement the scientific understanding of Judaism development in the territory of Smolensk province in the 1905s-1917s.