it proved that the new system did not bring beneficial changes to everybody. Those who had clearly defined occupations did find jobs, but their earnings were enough only for modest living. Most of the wealthier Jews (major merchants, industrialists, and capitalists) and those who had held certain social positions before the war were deported into the interior of Russia. Despairing news was coming from them: they worked very hard, earning 80 kopecks per day, while the price of 1 kilogram of potatoes was 2 roubles. Consequently, they were starving. They asked in an alarming tone for food parcels, which would save them from death by starvation. The Jews who managed to obtain managerial positions fared best. In most cases obtaining such a job was not difficult. Those who joined the Communist Party had a talent for speaking, or managed to attract the attention of the right elements through their pseudo-patriotic and self-propagation [2] behaviour fared the best – those obtained responsible positions and could lead a fine life. By contrast, ordinary workers were exploited, doing piecework for ten or more hours per day. The Soviet freedom was nothing more than a sham, as in reality the very strong influence of the state was becoming apparent everywhere. There were Jewish cinemas and theatres with Yiddish performances, but the repertoire revolved exclusively around the subject matter of exploitation and oppression of the Jewish worker during the past years and in other countries. Instruction in the Jewish schools was also adjusted to the official curriculum. Jewish literature was taught in a biased way, with writers such as Peretz and Asch687 presented as communists. As for the religious life, in principle there was total freedom, but in reality it was inhibited. The official day of rest was Sunday. Consequently, Jews who worked in public enterprises and details could neither rest on Saturday as they were supposed to nor celebrate any holidays, because missing a day of work without permission was punishable with exile to Siberia. They were compelled to work even at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Those who were not employed [3] by the state could go to prayer houses, but the attendance was very low too. All real estate was state property, with rent for a synagogue locale costing ten times more than a private flat. Ritual slaughter was almost non-existent, but the authorities turned a blind eye to it and tolerated
