Malka Simkovich, an Editor-in-Chief at the Jewish Publication Society and Visiting Professor, discusses her new book on Jewish diaspora in antiquity. She delves into Jewish identity during the Second Temple period, emphasizing the evolving narrative of diaspora communities. Malka explores the complexities of Jewish life in Hellenistic Egypt and Judea, highlighting their societal challenges and relationships. She also investigates the roots of the term 'diaspora' in Jewish literature and stresses the importance of communal relationships in preserving identity.
The evolution of the concept of diaspora, initially viewed negatively, has transformed into a recognition of vibrant Jewish communities beyond Israel.
Contemporary scholarship highlights the importance of understanding Jewish identity as multifaceted, influencing religious observance regardless of geographic location.
Jewish texts from the Second Temple period reflect the deep connections and mutual respect between Jews in Judea and those in diaspora communities.
Deep dives
The Role of an Editor-in-Chief at JPS
The responsibilities of the editor-in-chief at the Jewish Publication Society include developing a publishing program that aligns with the needs of the Jewish literary community. This involves identifying gaps in existing literature and selecting new projects that reflect significant Jewish ideas. The editor also collaborates with authors to create manuscripts that will become key texts for Jewish scholarship. The JPS, being the oldest cross-denominational Jewish press in the English-speaking world, boasts a rich legacy and aims to continue producing impactful works.
The Evolution of Diaspora Scholarship
Historically, scholarship related to the Jewish diaspora has shifted from an anti-diaspora bias to an overwhelming focus on Judeans living outside of Israel. Initially, the diaspora was seen as an inferior form of Jewish life, but contemporary research highlights the richness of Jewish communities in foreign lands. The expansion of literary analysis to include pseudepigrapha and other texts allows scholars to appreciate the complexity and vibrancy of Jewish life in the diaspora. This shift emphasizes that scholarly discussions must consider the authentic expressions of Jewish identity found outside the land of Israel.
Assessing Jewish Observance Across Regions
The discussion of Jewish identity cannot be simplistically tied to geographical location, as observance varies widely among Jews in both Israel and the diaspora. An example is drawn from modern contexts where individuals in distinct cultures engage with Judaism differently, illustrating that spiritual adherence does not solely depend on physical proximity to historical lands. This underscores the need for a broader understanding of Jewish practices that transcends geographical boundaries. The book argues that the assessment of religious observance among Jews should require a nuanced perspective, free from overgeneralizations based on location.
Connections Between Judeans and Diaspora Communities
Jewish texts from the Second Temple era reveal deep connections between Jews in Judea and those living in diaspora communities, highlighting mutual concerns and a desire for unity. Despite some tensions, Jewish literature from this time expresses profound respect and kinship across these communities, as both sides sought collaboration and recognition of shared identity. Key texts articulate the need for spiritual authority to derive from the land of Israel while simultaneously acknowledging the unique contributions of diaspora communities. This reflects a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationship that transcends mere geographical divisions.
The Changing Perception of Diaspora
The term 'diaspora' initially carried negative connotations, reflecting a sense of fragmentation and divine abandonment experienced by Jews living outside their ancestral homeland. Over time, its usage evolved, as evidenced by its biblical origins in the Septuagint, which frames diaspora both as a consequence of suffering and a potential avenue for reconciliation. Despite its rare appearance in Second Temple literature, assessments of diaspora in contemporary scholarship often overlook its complexities. This highlights the importance of addressing the historical context around the term as scholars continue to explore its implications for Jewish identity today.
Episode: Malka Simkovich is back on the podcast to discuss her new book Letters from Home: The Creation of Diaspora in Jewish Antiquity (PSU Press/Eisenbrauns, 2024). We talk about how early […]
