The article draws on the analysis of interviews with the Jews of Ukraine and Moldova, who had lived the frst part of their lives fol‑ lowing traditional Jewish ways, while the other part fell on the peri‑ od of strong anti‑religious pressure in the Soviet Union. As a result, several variations of what we can call “folk Judaism” emerged. One form is a forced refusal to follow the laws of Judaism and elaboration of various ways for breaking taboos.