In the past two decades much attention has been focused on two major issues facing Soviet Jews: their struggle to emigrate and their efforts to practice their religion and culture within the Soviet Union. Altshuler's study provides the statistical background necessary to understand the characteristics of this Jewish population, including its occupational structure, patterns of residence, and membership in the Communist Party. He also provides important data illuminating issues of family composition and intermarriage.

In the past two decades much attention has been focused on two major issues facing Soviet Jews: their struggle to emigrate and their efforts to practice their religion and culture within the Soviet Union. Altshuler's study provides the statistical background necessary to understand the characteristics of this Jewish population, including its occupational structure, patterns of residence, and membership in the Communist Party. He also provides important data illuminating issues of family composition and intermarriage.