The Jews.
Until the mid XVIII century, Jews in Russia were not many - the Imperial power was invited into the service of Europeans, but did not attempt to open the borders to foreigners, very different customs and faith.
After the partition of Poland in 1772, hundreds of thousands of Jewish families were the subjects of the Russian crown, thus began the history of the Jews in Russia.
After 20 years, Catherine II signed a decree limiting the rights of Jews to the movement and residence in the capitals, they were allowed to settle only in the Western and southern regions of the Empire; so appeared pale, which was abolished in the February revolution.
Among the Russian Jews there were many talented people, but the laws restrict their choice of professions, as they were not allowed to own land and to be in the public service, often to the Jews was trade, small craft or music.
Jewish youth sought in the city, but to get an education prevented the interest rate entered in 1886: 10% of Jews in schools in the pale of settlement not more than 3% in major cities.
But despite all the barriers to talented people made their way.
The twentieth century against the Jews was particularly cruel, they went through pogroms, the Holocaust, forced emigration, and if in the beginning of the century, the Jewish population of Russia amounted to about 4 million by 2000, according to the census, only about 250 thousand.
For these people, Russian culture and Russian language - native, but each in his own answers to the eternal question: who are you?..
The film stars figure skater Ilya Averbukh, surgeon Leonid Roshal, theater critic Mikhail Shvydkoi, a theatrical designer Oleg sheyntsis, the lawyer Henry Reznik, a Russian physicist Vitaly Ginzburg.
Personnel:
Averbukh I. I. -- Honored master of sport of Russia in figure skating, choreographer, world and European champion, Olympic medalist, entrepreneur, producer of the ice show. Roshal L. M-the Russian pediatrician and surgeon, doctor of medical Sciences, Professor, public figure. Michael Shvydkoy -- doctor of arts, theatre critic, theater critic, public figure and statesman. Sheyntsis O. A.-the Russian stage designer, Honored artist of the RSFSR, people's artist of the Russian Federation. Reznik G. M.-human rights activist, lawyer, Honored lawyer of the Russian Federation, scientific and public figure. Ginzburg, V. L. -- theoretical physicist, doctor of physico-mathematical Sciences, Professor, academician of the USSR, academician, public figure. Stalin-revolutionary, political, governmental, military and party leader. S. M. Mikhoels (Vovsi S. M.) - Soviet theater actor and film Director, teacher, people's artist of the USSR, social and political activist.