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Malka Z. Simkovich, "Letters from Home: The Creation of Diaspora in Jewish Antiquity" (Eisenbrauns, 2024)
Feb 23, 2025
Malka Z. Simkovich, a scholar of Second Temple Judaism and editor-in-chief at the Jewish Publication Society, dives into the complexities of Jewish identity and diaspora. She challenges the interchangeable use of terms like Judean and Israelite, explaining their nuanced meanings. The discussion touches on the paradox of the Jewish community in Egypt despite prohibitions against returning there and explores whether diaspora is a curse or a historical evolution. Simkovich also invites insights on the terms 'golah' and 'galut,' enriching the conversation about exile and Jewish identity.
49:54
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Quick takeaways
- Dr. Simkovich explores the nuanced meanings of terms like judean, israelite, and diaspora, revealing their implications on Jewish identity and belonging.
- The adaptation of the Book of Esther in Greek highlights the complexities of Jewish life in diaspora and the ongoing connection to Jerusalem.
Deep dives
The Concept of Diaspora in Jewish Writings
Jewish writers during the Second Temple period developed the concept of diaspora to articulate the complexities of Jewish life outside the land of Israel. Through letters and texts, they expressed the psychological and theological challenges faced by Jews living abroad, particularly regarding their relationship with the homeland. This era witnessed a shift in perception, as diaspora became a term associated with estrangement from God, yet authors conveyed the vitality and resilience of Jewish communities thriving outside Israel. The rhetorical strategies employed involved writers speaking in the voices of others, blending perspectives from both diasporic and Judean Jews to address identity and belonging.
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