Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the development of Jewish studies in Germany since reunification. After a brief historical review of the subject in the nineteenth century with the development of modern Reform Judaism and the science of Judaism (Wissenschaft des Judentums) created by Jewish religious and secular scholars, it focuses on the development of the past thirty years, in which not only the Jewish community but also Jewish studies have increased in importance. The growth of the Jewish community was largely due to immigration from the Soviet Union, but also partly to young Israelis who moved to Berlin. In line with these different backgrounds, a new interest in diaspora research emerged. The paper also deals with the difference between German Jewish studies (necessarily shaped by the Holocaust) and those of most other countries, where Jewish studies are mainly designed by Jewish scholars.
Highlights
This paper provides an overview of the development of Jewish studies in Germany since reunification
After a brief historical review of the subject in the nineteenth century with the development of modern Reform Judaism and the science of Judaism (Wissenschaft des Judentums) created by Jewish religious and secular scholars, it focuses on the development of the past thirty years, in which the Jewish community and Jewish studies have increased in importance
The growth of the Jewish community was largely due to immigration from the Soviet Union, and partly to young Israelis who moved to Berlin
Summary
Abstract This paper provides an overview of the development of Jewish studies in Germany since reunification. The intention was to examine the Holy Texts from the perspective of their time of origin, their history of reception, literature, linguistic idiosyncrasies, non-Jewish influences, etc It was by no means secular Jews who took this new direction – in Breslau/ Wrocław this took place within the framework of rabbinical education. From its beginnings in Babylonian exile, where it was first formulated as a religion, Judaism was what could be called a ‘culture of doubt’: it did not preach fulfilment, but patient expectation This characteristic found a new expression with the ‘science of Judaism’, in which religious reflection took on a secular form pertaining to the nation, social structures and power of symbolic politics. It’s inside our country.’ Jewish studies have become an important ally for these movements
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