Ben M. Freeman, an author focused on Jewish identity, shares insights from his new book on the Jewish people’s indigenous ties to Israel. He discusses the complexities of Jewish identity in modern society, especially after the October 7th events. Freeman also reflects on his upbringing as a Jewish individual in Glasgow and the cultural richness of Jewish heritage. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing duality in identity, navigating the evolving political landscape, and fostering dialogue within the community.
The podcast highlights the multifaceted nature of Jewish identity, emphasizing its cultural, ethnic, and historical dimensions rather than just religious affiliation.
It explores the concept of Jewish indigeneity, asserting the deep-rooted connection of Jews to Israel as part of their civilization and heritage.
Deep dives
Identity and Cultural Roots
The podcast discusses the complexities of Jewish identity, emphasizing the importance of cultural roots beyond religious affiliation. The speaker reflects on the challenges faced in defining their heritage, noting how most peers identified with their ethnic backgrounds while they struggled to convey their own multifaceted identity as a Jew. This notion is encapsulated in the exploration of how Jewish identity encompasses elements of culture, ethnicity, and civilization, rather than being solely a religious designation. The dialogue highlights that being Jewish involves a rich tapestry of traditions, practices, and communal ties that resonate deeply in personal experiences.
Jewish Indigeneity
The podcast introduces the concept of Jewish indigeneity, arguing that the Jewish connection to the land of Israel goes beyond religious ties to encompass historical and cultural realities. This idea is articulated through the perspective that Jews are not merely a religious group but a civilization with a continuous connection to their ancestral land. The conversation reinforces that understanding Jews as indigenous is critical for reclaiming their identity in a modern context. Such a framework challenges the prevalent narrative that simplifies Jewish identity to a solely religious experience.
Education and Self-Definition
There is an emphasis on the necessity of educating both Jews and non-Jewish allies about Jewish identity and its complexities. The speaker highlights the misrepresentation of Jewish indigeneity and the collective identity struggle, noting that many Jews globally feel disconnected from the understanding of their own history and culture. This educational gap leads to an external portrayal of Jewish identity that can overlook the depth of connection Jews have to their heritage. The dialogue encourages an internal conversation about self-definition and understanding one's identity through a Jewish lens rather than a Christian or external viewpoint.
Navigating Tension in Identity
The podcast addresses the discomfort surrounding the interplay of Jewish identity, culture, and religion, especially among Jews in the diaspora. The discussion reveals how individuals can hold dual identities, being both culturally tied to their national origins while deeply connected to Jewish heritage. Challenges arise when diasporic Jews grapple with expressing their identity in predominantly non-Jewish environments, often leading to a struggle for acceptance. It concludes that embracing the tension and complexities of identity is essential for fostering an understanding of what it means to be Jewish in today's world.
His latest book, The Jews: An Indigenous People, coming out Feb. 27, is the first scholarly book to tackle the topic of the Jewish people’s indigenous ties to the land of Israel. We discuss the defining characteristics of what it means to BE a Jew, and how that relates to us in the modern, post-October 7th world.
Hosted by Courtney Hazlett, Rabbi Diana Fersko, and Josh Kross, each episode of How to Be a Jew takes a look at a current, cultural topic and what it means for us as Jews, and how we react to it because we are Jews.