Indiana University Press has released Jewish Odesa: Negotiating Identities and Traditions in Contemporary Ukraine by the social anthropologist Marina Sapritsky-Nahum. This groundbreaking work examines the complex and evolving identities of Jewish community in Odessa, Ukraine’s historic port city, as they navigate cultural revival, historical continuity, and the profound disruptions brought on by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Drawing on over two decades of research and fieldwork, including experiences during pivotal moments such as the 2013-2014 Maidan protests and the 2022 Russian invasion, Sapritsky-Nahum provides an in-depth look at how Jewish Odessans are redefining their sense of belonging. The book explores the resilience of Jewish life in Odessa, the role of international Jewish philanthropy in cultural revival, and the shifting dynamics of identity in a city known for its historical Jewish cosmopolitanism.
Jewish Odesa examines the significant changes faced by Jewish communities following Ukraine’s independence, tracing the tension between historical Russian influences and the rise of Ukrainian nationalism. The book also highlights personal narratives of individuals, families, and communities, offering readers a poignant understanding of how Jewish Odessans are coping with the existential threats posed by the ongoing war, including the mass displacement of Jewish populations.
“Many Odessans have fled or been displaced by the war, but their deep connection to the city remains,” said Sapritsky-Nahum. “This book provides a vital perspective on how Jewish identity is being negotiated in the context of profound political and social upheaval.”
This academic work is a must-read for those with an interest in Jewish studies, Ukrainian history, and the cultural impacts of war. Jewish Odesa will appeal to academics, historians, and anyone intrigued by the intersection of culture, religion, and politics in today’s world.
About the Author:
Marina Sapritsky-Nahum is a social anthropologist based in London, UK. She is a Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Sciences (LSE) and an Honorary Research Associate at University College London (UCL). Her academic interests include Ukraine, postSoviet Jewish identities, religious revival, migration, and philanthropy. She is currently conducting research with Ukrainian Jewish refugees in Germany and across Europe, exploring the impact of the Russian full-scale invasion on Jewish cultural heritage and community life. Her work has appeared in various edited volumes, academic journals and other publications such as Tablet Magazine, Haaretz, Jewish Renaissance. She is also a regular contributor to LSE Religion and Global Society blog.
