The Krymchaks were orthodox Judaists and Talmudists. The language of ritual, literature and social life was Old Hebrew. Today the majority of Krymchaks speak Russian. Crimean Tatar is used only by those over 70. In most instances the younger generation lacks even a passive knowledge of Crimean Tatar.
Intermarriages are the norm.
The mass transition of the young to the Russian language occurred at the beginning of the 20th century. Krymchak life and customs resembled those of the Crimean Tatars. However, they did not shave their heads like the Tatars but had their hair cut short. Like other Jews in Russia the Krymchaks were deprived of civil rights. They worked mainly as artisans, with a smaller number who were gardeners, had vineyards or were merchants.