Abstract
Abstract This essay seeks to illuminate an understudied strain of modern Jewish political thought, which is here termed ‘exceptionalist anti-Zionism’. Thinkers of this diverse school strongly subscribe to some form of Jewish exceptionalism and believe that it is precisely this exceptional nature that obviates or undermines the necessity for a Jewish state. This essay presents three versions of this intellectual strain through an analysis of one important thinker who exemplifies each version. Samson Raphael Hirsch offers a religious form of exceptionalist anti-nationalism, in which the divine mission of the Jewish nation requires its perpetual dispersion throughout the world’s civilizations. Franz Rosenzweig offers a philosophical form of exceptionalist anti-Zionism, in which the Jewish nation inhabits an entirely distinct temporal plane that precludes the traditional attributes of national life. George Steiner offers an ethical form of exceptionalist anti-Zionism, in which the Jews’ ethical superiority depends on their status as the perpetually itinerant ‘guests’ of every human society, and therefore naturally rejects any coalescence of national self-identity. These three thinkers, despite their irreducible differences, constitute an important counter-voice within a political discourse that generally conflates nationhood and nationalism, and present an alternative vision for a Jewish diasporic existence.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Modern Judaism - A Journal of Jewish Ideas and Experience
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.