domestic Russian Jewish charity in 70
years, helped the community to
become at least partially self-sufficient.
But Goldschmidt believes a more sig-
nificant outcome is a steady growth in
self-esteem among Jews who were
impressed that some prominent figures
in Russian society were both admitting
their Jewish roots and were proud to
affiliate themselves with the community
More people on different levels
now want to be part of Jewish life,"
Goldschmidt says. "This is our main
objective: to propagate Jewish pride
and Jewish responsibility." In a recent
conversation, Goussinsky admitted he
understands little about Jewish politics
and attends Jewish events abroad that
"Pinchas tells me to go to."
Goldschmidt says that although the
future generally looks better now for
the Jewish community than at any time
during the past decade, Russian Jews
face many unique challenges.
"Here you can't recreate an exact
replica of the communities like Los
Angeles, London or Zurich. You have
to take specifics into account and
accept Russia the way it is." Russian-
born Jews who have worked with
Goldschmidt during this decade say he
has as good an understanding of Russia
as any of them.
"He understands Russia as if he was
born here," says Shayevich, Russia's
chief rabbi.
Not all Russians share Shayevich's
warm feelings toward Goldschmidt.
With his Orthodox black hat and
beard, Goldschmidt stands out on
Moscow's streets. He says that since the
rise of anti-Semitism that followed
Russia's economic collapse last August,
he has experienced more verbal abuse
on the streets, especially when he walks
to synagogue on Shabbat.
But few believed in a long-term
future for Jews in Russia 10 years ago.
Now, despite the past year's troubles, it
remains an open question.
In 40 to 50 years, Goldschmidt says,
Jews from the countryside will have
moved to communities in Russia's larg-
er cities — a process that has already
begun.
Goldschmidt is contributing more
than his share to this future.
This year, he summed up his vast
experience in Jewish law in a volume of
rabbinical responsa — the first book of
this genre published in Russia since the
1930s. The volume is intended to be
used in congregations around the world
that have Russian-born members.
And despite anti-Semitism, he says
he has no plans to leave Russia. I I

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