"Within the darkness and oppression of Russia during the mid-19th century, The Cantonists shows the power of Jewish destiny. It shows how Jewish parents could, in a few years, raise boys to withstand a ruthless and evil bureaucracy.” — Ben Rothke, The Times of Israel
“A historical work of deep scholarly insight and emotional resonance, the book is the result of decades of research and draws on newly uncovered documents from Russian imperial archives. For Rabbi Mendelevich, the book is not just a personal achievement, it’s a way of reclaiming and illuminating a forgotten chapter of Jewish resilience. He hopes the work will challenge assumptions, inspire further inquiry, and deepen readers’ understanding of both Jewish endurance and Russian imperial policy. It’s not just a book for academics, he said, “it’s for anyone who cares about Jewish history, identity, and survival.” — The Jewish Link
“The world recognizes Yosef Mendelevich as a proud Jew and spectacular hero who challenged the Soviet Empire. This new volume reveals another aspect of this unique Jew. After his 1981 release from prison and his subsequent aliyah, Reb Yosef became both a rabbinic and academic scholar. This will become evident when one studies the English translation of his expanded master’s thesis on the Cantonists. Rabbi Mendelevich attained this degree at the Jerusalem affiliate of Touro University. Published originally in Hebrew, it will now be available to a much wider and appreciative readership. I am also pleased to note that the English version is published in tribute to our great mentor and cherished family friend Rabbi Dr. Aharon Rakeffet. He is indeed a most inspiring Torah teacher. Among his many accomplishments was his teaching Torah in the Soviet Union during the last decade of Communism. His friendship and support of Rabbi Yosef Mendelevich are the natural outcome of this mission. Touro University is indeed proud to have both Rabbis Mendelevich and Rakeffet as distinguished members of our scholarly community.” — Rabbi Moshe D. Krupka, Executive Vice president , Touro University
Before 1917, the Russian Tsar wielded absolute power over a vast empire, where more than 5 million Jews lived in isolation and segregation. Under the rule of Tsar Nicholas I (1825–1855), policies toward Jews became especially oppressive. Nicholas sought to erase Jewish identity by forcing their conversion to Christianity and promoting assimilation through mixed marriages. One of his most ruthless strategies was the implementation of the Cantonist system, which conscripted Jewish boys under the age of 13 into military service. These children were torn from their families and communities, subjected to brutal treatment, and pressured relentlessly to abandon their faith. Over three decades, approximately 75,000 Jewish boys were conscripted. Despite the immense hardships, the majority stood firm with only 25% succumbing to conversion. This powerful account sheds light on a dark chapter in history, illustrating the resilience of a people facing relentless oppression under an authoritarian regime.
Cambridge University Press
