The Czarist government implemented a policy of censorship of all published material in the empire, whether it was imported or printed locally. Though this was a general policy, there were unique particularities regarding the censorship of Jewish works. In the early years following the partitions of Poland, there wasn’t an effective mechanism of censoring in place, and it was only in 1826 when censorship for Jewish works was implemented in a systematic fashion. The government utilized the tool of censorship in order to assist in solving what they termed ‘the Jewish question’. Censorship of religious texts, especially those relating to Chassidic thought, mysticism and Kabbalah, was thought to distance them from sectarianism, integrate the Jews into Russian society, ‘improve’ them and make them more ‘productive’.
An outsized role was played by the censors themselves, who were generally prominent maskilim or even apostates. Later in the century, the government shifted away from censorship of religious works, and focused on secular literature and the emerging media of newspapers and periodicals in Russian, Hebrew and Yiddish. These were considered a greater threat from the Czarist perspective as they encouraged Jewish nationalism, socialism, aspirations of emancipation and revolutionary activity.
Cross River, a leading financial institution committed to supporting its communities, is proud to sponsor Jewish History Soundbites. As a trusted partner for individuals and businesses, Cross River understands the importance of preserving and celebrating our heritage. By sponsoring this podcast, they demonstrate their unwavering dedication to enriching the lives of the communities in which they serve. Visit Cross River at https://www.crossriver.com/
Subscribe to Jewish History Soundbites Podcast on: PodBean: https://jsoundbites.podbean.com/ or your favorite podcast platform
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram at @Jsoundbites
For sponsorship opportunities about your favorite topics of Jewish history or feedback contact Yehuda at: yehuda@yehudageberer.com
A Rebbe With a Geshmak: Remembering Rav Elya Baruch Finkel
Ahoy Yid! Stories of Jewish Pirates and Explorers
Lively Graves: Pilgrimages to Lizhensk & Kivrei Tzadikim
The History of Volozhin Yeshiva Part IV: Talmudists, Zionists and The Golden Age
A Word From Our Listeners Part I
Torah Pioneers: The Origins of Bnei Akiva & Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh
The History of The Volozhin Yeshiva Part III: The War Of Succession
The Holy Scholars of Sochatchov
Gangsters, Racketeers & Jewish Activists: Tales of the Jewish Mafia Part II
To Save A World: The Storied Life of Rav Avraham Kalmanowitz Part II
A Prince Among Men: The Storied Life of Rav Avraham Kalmanowitz Part I
Mussar Movements: The Sojourns of Rav Yisroel Salanter and the Mussar Greats
Tales of the Jewish Mafia Part I: "Ain’t Gonna Kill On Saturday"
Screaming From The Rooftops: The Fire of Kotzk
Here Comes Rav Beinush! Stories of the Mir Rosh Yeshiva Rav Beinush Finkel
The History Of The Volozhin Yeshiva Part II: The Rise To Fame
An Uncharted Path: The Story of Rav Baruch Rabinowitz of Munkatch
Tales from the House of Rimanov
Lion of the Mir: Memories of Rav Refael Shmuelevitz
Stolin America: A Chassidic Dynasty In The New World
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Rav Gershon Ribner
The Ben Shapiro Show
Wondering Jews with Mijal and Noam
For Heaven’s Sake
Unpacking Israeli History