I love this story and the "segway" on the meaning of exile. The latter could be (and is for many) an advantageous position. Emigration is a voluntary exile (at least in my experience), and, as such, it affords unique perspective by the virtue of detachment (not necessarily voluntary at times) from the needs of the so called "natives" to belong at all costs. Of course belonging is an important need, up there on the Maslow hierarchy, which seems to have become more difficult to satisfy in the 21st century...
Thank you for your most erudite and thought-provoking posts.
This is fascinating, particularly in light of the tradition (reinforced by all our Sunday School Hanukkah stories) to denigrate Hellenic culture and Hellenized Jews. I look forward to learning more!
And what if the understanding at the time was that Jews may be less able to form a sustainable nation and rather live the role of "light to other nations" as scattered (exiled) in the world? As is seen right now in the State of Israel...forgive me for politicizing this.
I love this story and the "segway" on the meaning of exile. The latter could be (and is for many) an advantageous position. Emigration is a voluntary exile (at least in my experience), and, as such, it affords unique perspective by the virtue of detachment (not necessarily voluntary at times) from the needs of the so called "natives" to belong at all costs. Of course belonging is an important need, up there on the Maslow hierarchy, which seems to have become more difficult to satisfy in the 21st century...
Thank you for your most erudite and thought-provoking posts.
Many thanks, Irina, and I agree about belonging as an important need. I appreciate your comment and thanks for reading!
This is fascinating, particularly in light of the tradition (reinforced by all our Sunday School Hanukkah stories) to denigrate Hellenic culture and Hellenized Jews. I look forward to learning more!
Thanks so much for this, Wendy! What you say is so true, and very perceptive. Stay tuned for more!
And what if the understanding at the time was that Jews may be less able to form a sustainable nation and rather live the role of "light to other nations" as scattered (exiled) in the world? As is seen right now in the State of Israel...forgive me for politicizing this.
What if? Thanks for this thoughtful response, Michal!