The history of Jewish people in Russia is long and complex. In 1913, the Russian Empire was home to the largest population of Jews in the world – between 5.3 and 6 million people. Even though the community thrived for centuries, Jews were deported to the Pale of Settlement. During the Soviet rule, some Jews converted to Orthodox Christianity or hid their identity, while others left the country. Russia is a very different country now, and Russian Jews are reconnecting with their heritage and reviving the culture. If you’d like to explore Jewish history of Russia on your escorted tour to Eastern Europe, here are some significant places you will visit.