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This essay explores the views of Soviet Jewish intellectuals on exile and identity during the late 20th century.

June 14, 2026

Exile or Not: Deterritorialization of Soviet Jews

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This essay explores the views of Soviet Jewish intellectuals on exile and identity during the late 20th century.
Analyzing the theory of 'minor literature' related to Soviet Jewish experiences.
Studying cases of authors in different exile situations including internal exile, immigration to Germany, or Israel.
Examining the influence of Russian intelligentsia attitudes on the decisions of Soviet Jews.
Soviet Jewish intellectuals felt a sense of deterritorialization leading to varied choices regarding exile or immigration.
Their attitudes were shaped by traditional views and theoretical frameworks surrounding Jewish exile.
Complex realities confronted their theoretical bases, leading to modifications in how they understood their identities.

Abstract

Abstract This essay examines late 20 th -century Soviet Jewish intellectuals’ views on exile and identity. Using the theory of ‘minor literature,’ I study representative cases of authors who felt deterritorialized in the USSR and decided upon (1) internal exile; (2) immigration to Germany; or (3) immigration to Israel. Influenced by traditional Russian intelligentsia attitudes, Soviet Jews also alluded to theories of Jewish exile to defend their decisions. In all cases, encounters with a complex reality either subverted or modified the theoretical basis for choices.

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Exile or Not: Deterritorialization of Soviet Jews

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