Jewish Scene
Russia's Subbotnik Jews get rabbi
Ynetnews
Published: 09.12.10, 07:49
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11 Talkbacks for this article
1. inaccurate reporting
observer   (12.09.10)
Check out subbotnik on the web and you will find that they did not convert to Judaism. They only practised various aspects of Judaism. The fact that they joined the first aliyah in large numbers, and must have strongly influenced its ideology goes a long way to explain the mentality of present day Israelis.
2. #1, absolutely right
Soviet Jew ,   Jerusalem, Israel   (12.09.10)
The Subbotniks aren't Jewish. They are only "friendly" gentiles who embrace certain aspects of Judaism. As far as I remember there was a recent halachic controversy over the validity of their conversion and status. Apparently they just "decided" to practice Judaism without having actually converted to it properly.
3. #1 not quite right, Molokans and Gerim
Frank ,   London, UK   (12.09.10)
They are descendents of Russian Judaizing movements, but there are differences - mainly along the Molokan vs Ger line. Molokans are rediscoverers of the Karaite tradition, so wouldn't be considered Jewish by the Orthodox. Some Molokans continued to believe in J being a prophet. So a bit on par with "Jews for J" and "Messianic Jews". Who wouldn't be Jewish by converting to one of those sects. Gerim recognize Talmud, so from Orthodox view have accepted the yoke of the Torah. That is they are halachically Jewish. Like the Chasar Karaites, many Molokan descendents gradually moved into Orthodox direction. So they
4. Strange name - "Subbotnik". Where did it come from.
leo ,   usa   (12.09.10)
In former Soviet Union "Subbotnik" meant working without pay on Saturday once or twice in a year. There also were "Voskresnik(s)", which meant the same, but for Sundays. However, I am much more curious about "Subbotnik(s)".
5. #4
igor ,   nyc   (12.10.10)
subbotnik comes from the word subbota, which is Russian for shabbat.
6. n.o 4 - Subbotnik
Yosef-Meir ,   Paris, France   (12.10.10)
It comes from the fact that they started keeping Shabbos or at least using it as their worship day.
7. They are/were Christians
Gary ,   Los Angeles, USA   (12.10.10)
Up unitl the the early 1960's there was a Subbotnik Church in Los Angeles. They never practiced Judaism.
8. No2 - Soviet Jew
michael birg ,   Sydney,Australia   (12.11.10)
Smart ass ,wha you know all and you with your soviet know all - shit pretender , are to judge others. Those people made and making a huge effort and you are to apploud them and not condemn. Who knows what's your background ???????????
9. #8 , never knew that
Soviet Jew ,   Jerusalem, Israel   (12.11.10)
people in Oz don't know to write English properly. But you're probably not older than 11 and thus excused for making mistakes. Never mind, you still can become a Jew when you grow up.
10. #8
observer   (12.11.10)
You appear to have an agenda here. Perhaps disclose it first before ranting in almost unintelligible English and throwing insults at someone who knows what he's on about. Just do a short search on the web and you'll find a site that explains all the various sects and what they believe.
11. Soviet Jew
Shlomo ,   NY, USA   (12.12.10)
I agree with you, that the Sabotniks should be applauded. Good for them. If people don't know where the name Sabotnik comes from how can they judge? They are just ignorant bigots.
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