Is diasporism even the right framework?

Photo by The New York Public Library on Unsplash

Through thousands of years, ever since the end of the kingdom of Israel, Judaism was considered a diaspora, Judaism has always been a diasporic religion.

It goes far beyond that, the religion that developed in the ‘diaspora’ is radically different than the one practiced in the old kingdom of Israel. Besides the obvious details such as strict monotheism (old Judaism was henotheistic), the absence of slavery, polygamy, and animal sacrifices… The culture developed in the ‘diaspora’, between Ashkenazi centres in Europe and Sepharad (Al-Andaluz).

If an ancient Israelite were to appear in a synagogue they might recognize the writing system and some iconography, but the whole experience would be alien.

So, if we developed our religion outside of the Levant. Why do we still call ourselves a diaspora?

So why are we Jews so obsessed with calling our religion a diaspora?

If a person in Italy traces their lineage, from modern times, through Genoa a few generations back, all the way to African migrants in the 2nd Century CE. They would be considered completely Italian, with not a single caveat, asterisks, or notes. Their family clearly traces the majority of Italian known history. They obviously look Italian, their complexion is that of a typical Italian. They would recognize him from Genoa. It would be acceptable and expected that they familiarize themselves with Genoese history and local culture.

And if instead they were to tell their friends that they are African, everyone would think it was a joke, and worse, if they took it seriously, and changed their life to go live in Africa, consider taking land by force, everyone would know that they are deranged.

That is the Jewish narrative. Wherever Jews are, by accepting the Diaspora title, we state that we can trace our lineage all the way to ancient Israel. We let it define our culture. And some demand to return to their homeland.

We should embrace the fact that Judaism developed throughout the world, it developed wherever we were. Although the Levant will always be a culturally important place. A place where our oldest legends originate.

We do have a place where our culture came from. For Ashkenazis it comes from eastern Europe, for Sephardim, MENA or Sepharad. That is where our cultures, ethnicities, languages, and even religion came from.

The framing of diaspora, even with antizionist intentions, is incorrect. We belong, where we are.