Soviet “Modernizing” Strategies towards Jews in the Ukrainian Town of Berdychiv

Berdychiv, a traditional center of Jewish culture and religion, was subjected to an intense “modernization” drive after the Soviet seizure power. The Bolsheviks aimed create new society by tearing down old social structures replacing them with secular, socialist alternatives. But in early years Union, question how realize this project still matter experimentation. This paper discusses sovietization efforts Berdychiv during 1920s looks at they transformed town. It does so focusing on nationalities religion policies respect population, Berdychiv’s largest ethnic group. argues that leadership managed proletarian forced rift between generations, thus causing lasting changes town’s fabric.