Abstract: Religion re-emerged in Russia at the threshold of the formation of a democratic society. Religion in modern Russian society provides the most contradictory trends in terms of providing religious freedom that emerged towards the end of the Soviet era. On the one hand, all the religions were given the right to promote their teachings and on the other hand, Orthodox Church was striving to establish its superiority over the rest. Religious movements sprang up in different regions of Russia – Islam in Tatarstan, Caucasus, Dagestan; Buddhism in Kalmykia and Buryatia; Judaism in Eastern Caucasus; Shamanic communities in Siberia and Far-East were among others trying to restore their property and establish their cultural and spiritual values. The Law of the Russian Federation “On Freedom of Conscience and on Religious Associations” (1997) gave recognition to traditional religions of Russia, including Judaism alongside Christianity, Islam and Buddhism. Any discussion on traditional Russian culture would touch upon not only the political foundation but also the cultural core of the country. Given that it has been at the focal point of significant historical events, the religious situation in Russia is largely linked to historical and geopolitical situations. The proposed paper investigates the social position of Judaism and the regional specificities of the development of Jewish religious activities in Russian society.

Key Words: Religion, Religious minorities, Regional Approach, Judaism.