Timeline: Antireligion and Antisemitism in the Soviet Union

Period: Jan 20, 1917 to Jan 20, 1935

antireligious measures in the Soviet Union

Mar 1, 1917

Less than 20 Russian titles that were published were antisemitic literature

One-fourth of these publications were in Yiddish.

Mar 1, 1917

David Moskowitz

Oct 24, 1917

Bolshevik Party comes to power

Jan 20, 1918

Decree on Separation of Church from State and School from Chuch issued

Soviet Union declared a "nonreligious" state. Church attendees were labeled "anti-Soviet," though the belief that religious is one's own private affair was widely accepted during this time.

Aug 18, 1918

Instruction written decreeing that religion may not be taught in general education institutions

This also allows special theological institutions to remain open, allowing for specific religious schools.

Jan 31, 1919

Further decrees state that any persons under 18 cannot attend religious educational institutions

later, the order then indicated that teaching of religion is permitted, provided it is not performed in any schools of general instruction

Apr 22, 1922

1922-1923 committees organized to force religious teachers to give up teaching

Primarily found in Jewish villages.
Thousands of Jewish religious schools were closed down, religious education continued in underground hedorim.

Apr 22, 1922

Solomon Lapidus

Jan 1, 1927

antireligious campaigns designed to lessen the influence of clergy and number of houses of prayer implemented

Hundreds of clergymen from different religious practices arrested or deported.

Jan 1, 1927

Henia Sochaczewski

Feb 2, 1929

Primary method of closing down prayer houses and synagogues

First stage- publishing letters and articles to the public citing alleged criminal activities in the synagogues
Second stage- members of prayer house forced to resign due to the request of the people, thus dropping the number of required members

Apr 8, 1929

"Laws on Religious Associates" decreed

Main document that regulated religious life, forced and defined religious practices.

Oct 1, 1929

"Instructions of the People's Commissariat of the Interior" decreed

Additional regulations and laws that clarifies and supplements the April Law, including the details regarding religious registration, meetings and conventions, and surveillance.

Oct 1, 1929

Stanisl Rubilowicz

Nov 1, 1929

Synagogues and other houses of prayer close down in mass numbers

Closed due to failure to meet the requirements of the Law and Instructions of 1929 including lack of required twenty affiliated members, failure to acquire a suitable house of prayer, or condemning a house of prayer unfit.