Review: "At Home in Exile: Why Diaspora is Good for the Jews

[Betty56]

This book, written by Alan Wolf", covers a lot of ground, but I think each individual reader will take away something different from it. Some aspect of it will stir something inside you. For me, it was the issue of particularism versus universalism. While the book seems to be marketed as supporting those Jews who choose to live outside Israel, it has a lot to offer those who live in Israel also.

In the introduction Wolfe makes the statement that “It is more important what Jews think than where they live.” As expected, the book argues a good case in support of that statement. There are universalists in Israel just as there are particularists in the Diaspora. You are probably asking, “What is this “universalist” and this “particularist”? The universalist is one who believes that Jews must be that voice of consciousness that looks at issues from the viewpoint of mankind. They must stand up for those being treated unjustly and those oppressed. The particularists look at issues from a group self-survival mindset. “Take care of our own first.” It does not matter where one lives; it is more about their values.

Wolfe looks at the level of compassion among Jews. In the Diaspora, compassion was necessary at one time in order to survive. But in the State of Israel where Jews are the majority, compassion is taking a backseat to military strength and in physical might. The particularist has no compassion for the plight of the Palestinians whereas the universalist sees them as people too. The universalist sets the same standard for behavior on both sides. I believe the statement “The notion that all Jews ought to be a light unto all nations only means that they ought to please their own God in the hope that gentiles will learn from them” applies to the universalist belief.

Wolfe makes a case for looking at your own group with a critical eye. Many call this self-hatred when instead it is a way of keeping your group strong. One bad apple starts to rot the others. Self-examination is necessary from time to time.

Wolfe also looks at the history of intermarriage of Jews and non-Jews. He makes an interesting argument of how the “enlarged Jewish population” is a positive potential of intermarriage. Hmmm…stills thinking about that one.

In his discussion of anti-Semitism he makes note of the need to separate criticism of Israel from hatred of the Jews. I definitely agree with him there. One can be critical of actions being taken by the Jewish state while still loving the Jewish people. There is an interesting discussion of the current anti-Semitism in Europe.

There is a discussion also of secular Jews and how, while not being “religious”, still have a commitment to social justice. This seems to be a “hard-wired” component of many Jews, religious or not.

Wolfe presents quite a few issues Jews throughout the world are struggling with currently. I can’t say I agree with all his conclusions, but he certainly makes me think. And I suspect this was his intent.

[ananya92]

Thanks for the review. The books seems to deal well with a sensitive issue. I think I'll look out for this one.