Eastern European Jews, often referred to as Ashkenazi Jews, are a Jewish ethnic group that primarily originated from the regions of Poland, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Russia. They developed distinct cultural and religious practices, including the use of the Yiddish language, which combines elements of German, Hebrew, and Slavic languages. Historically, Eastern European Jews faced significant challenges, including persecution and discrimination, particularly during the Holocaust in World War II. Despite these hardships, they contributed greatly to various fields, including literature, music, and science, and have a rich cultural heritage that continues to influence Jewish life today.