Thank you very much for your article Russian Roots in the Jan. 3 Miami Herald Neighbors section. I was very glad to learn about your journalism exchange with Russian reporters at the Miami Herald. This also led me to discover Russia Behind the Headlines, to which I have now subscribed and which looks very interesting.

I am writing to take issue with your characterization of Jews as a “nationality” in your article about the Russian-speaking community in Miami. Having spent six months in Moscow studying Russian at MGU, I am aware that Russians consider "Jews" to be a nationality, but I think this ought to be changed, with journalists hopefully leading the way.

Jews are individuals whose religion is Judaism, which is not a nationality. Just as Orthodox Christians may be of many nationalities, Jews may also be Russian, American, or citizens of any other country. The problem with the characterization is that it leads to a not-so-veiled conclusion that one’s religion precludes being a full and patriotic citizen of one’s country.

Much appreciated if you would spread the word around Russia!

Valerie Silver, Coral Gables