Leading Judaist Peter Schäfer Explores Ashkenazi Jewish History
Translated & summarized from Jüdische Allgemeine by baba
Judaist Peter Schäfer's new book, "Ashkenazi Judaism: Origin, Flourishing, Path to the East," examines the history and identity of Ashkenazi Jews. Schäfer challenges the traditional narrative of a singular Jewish motherland, arguing that diaspora and homeland have always been intertwined. The 560-page book covers Jewish exile, distribution, community life, religious practices, persecutions, and migration to Eastern Europe. The reviewer praises the work for its insightful analysis and defense of Schäfer's deep understanding of Jewish life.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Judaist Peter Schäfer's book explores Ashkenazi Jewish history and identity.
- The book challenges the concept of a singular Jewish motherland, emphasizing diaspora's role.
- It covers Jewish exile, community life, religious practices, and historical persecutions.
- Schäfer's work details the migration of Jews to Eastern Europe.
- The book is praised for its insightful and thought-provoking analysis.
Renowned Judaist Peter Schäfer, who previously taught at Freie Universität Berlin and Princeton University, has authored a new book titled "Das aschkenasische Judentum. Herkunft, Blüte, Weg nach Osten" (Ashkenazi Judaism: Origin, Flourishing, Path to the East). The 560-page work, published by C. H. Beck in Munich, delves into the history and identity of Ashkenazi Jews, distinguishing them from Sephardic Jews. Schäfer posits that Jewish history has always been defined by the duality of a "motherland" and diaspora, challenging the notion of a singular, eternal homeland as the sole center of Jewish existence. He argues that the concept of a judaic motherland as the exclusive core, with diaspora as merely a consequence of expulsion, is a fiction that Zionism has attempted to establish as the guiding doctrine of Israel. Instead, Schäfer asserts that motherland and diaspora have always been two inseparable aspects of Jewish life.
The book is structured into six parts: "Origin," which covers the history of Jewish exile; "Distribution," examining geographical spread and non-Jewish influences; "Community Life," offering a non-romanticized view of Jewish communities; "Life with the Torah," exploring religious history and practices beyond the Torah and Talmud; "Persecutions and Expulsions," detailing their motives and consequences; and "Path to the East," focusing on the rise and fall of Judaism, particularly its migration to Eastern Europe from the 14th century onward.
Despite potentially controversial statements at the book's outset, the reviewer, historian Michael Wolffsohn, strongly defends Schäfer's work, refuting claims that Schäfer lacks "Ahavat Israel" (love for Judaism or the Jewish people). Wolffsohn characterizes Schäfer's perspective as that of an informed non-Jew who deeply understands both the strengths and weaknesses of the Jewish people and the State of Israel, offering an insightful external view informed by extensive knowledge of internal Jewish life. The book is praised for being highly informative and thought-provoking.