Homeland, Exile, & Diaspora in Judaism

Catalog description

TAUGHT BY GTU-JST. Jewish tradition brims with reflections on the "Land of Israel" and the twin concepts of "homeland" and "exile." These foundational images have been interpreted in vastly different ways throughout the centuries, from geographic sites and political principles to poetic devices and spiritual archetypes. This course will examine some major trends from ancient through contemporary times, and will thereby shed light on the multifaceted landscapes of Jewish religiosity and culture. Contexts to be examined will include the Hebrew Bible, Talmud and Midrash, medieval Jewish mysticism and philosophy, Hasidism, modern liberal Judaism, modern Zionism and contemporary diasporism.