The Crimean Peninsula, on the northern shore of the Black Sea, has historically been a land of different peoples and contested borders. It was once home to Greek colonies, later came under Ottoman rule, and subsequently became an important naval base of the Russian Empire. Until recently, it was also a popular holiday destination in independent Ukraine. Today, Crimea is once again immersed in conflict.

Crimea also has a long history of Jewish settlement. Jews may have first settled in the region during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. In the eighth and ninth centuries, Crimea was within the wider sphere of the Khazar Khaganate, whose ruling elite famously adopted Judaism.

Two distinct Jewish communities lived side by side in Crimea for centuries: Rabbinic Jews and Karaites. In this virtual tour, we will explore Crimea and learn about the differences between Rabbinic and Karaite Judaism. We will also examine Jewish agricultural settlements, Zionist training camps, and Soviet Jewish collective farms.

We will then explore the history and traditions of the Karaites in the Russian Empire, including their remarkable story of social and political advancement. Finally, we will visit synagogues, Karaite prayer houses (kenesas), and historic Jewish cemeteries.