One Nation, Dispersed: Diaspora in the Megillah and in Jewish Thought
The Megillah is distinct among books of the Bible not merely for its lack of explicit mention of God, but also for the absence of any suggestion that the Jewish people might one day return to the Land of Israel. This begs questions about identity, whether and how to remain distinct, and the theological purpose of doing so. Even in the final chapters of the Megillah, readers might wonder how firm the line between Jewish religious law and secular Persian law could have been, what that ambiguity reflects, and what it means for modern Jews.
How can the people who Haman called “one nation, dispersed and separated among the nations” address the challenges, responsibilities, and opportunities of life in diaspora, in a world where God might not be obviously named or located? What is Jewish peoplehood in the face of exile from the Land, from certain aspects of ritual, and from each other?
This pre-Purim Yom Iyyun will reflect on questions of diaspora, both in relation to the Megillah and to Jewish thought, overall. Rabbi Silber will present on diaspora in the Megillah, Dr. Simkovich on diaspora in ancient Jewish thought, and Dr. Gottlieb on diaspora in modern Jewish thought, followed by a moderated discussion between Rabbi Silber, Dr. Simkovich, and Dr. Gottlieb.
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This Yom Iyyun was presented in memory of Dr. Charles Feldman.
