Borders and Bordering in Jewish Geo-Political Space

Geopolitics, 2018, DOI: 10.1080/14650045.2018.1477756

42 Pages Posted: 8 Dec 2018

See all articles by Tamar Arieli

Tamar Arieli

Tel-Hai College

Amos A. Israel-Vleeschhouwer

Sapir Academic College - School of Law

Date Written: October 16, 2018

Abstract

Cultural and religious concepts of space inform contemporary social and political identities, confirming the inherent embeddedness of borders in social life. This study analyzes concepts bordering and bordering processes in socially heterogeneous and politically sensitive environments, as portrayed in classic Jewish texts. Jewish-legal rabbinic writings dated from the first to the fifth century reveal perceptions of both concrete and metaphysical aspects of a territorial homeland and of social-spatial bordering. These perceptions are echoed in contemporary debates of national sovereignty and borders.

Like most legal systems, Jewish law prefers clear spatial separations and creates dichotomous spatial-legal distinctions. Yet textual analysis through lenses of geopolitics and law reveals nuanced concepts of borders and surprising perceptions of flexible and permeable borders despite this preference for clarity. This adaptability stands in contrast to widespread presumptions of religion rigidity.

Classic texts enrich social and political discourse in multi-cultural societies, particularly regarding holy territory. Their interpretation offer prospects of de-linking concepts of sanctity from sovereignty, thus presenting innovative channels to perceive and experience one’s homeland. Paradoxically, religious texts offer pragmatic geo-political insights which could enrich contemporary discourse, challenged by over-simplistic perceptions of borders and bordering.

Keywords: Borders, bordering, geopolitcs, Jewish law, political geography

Suggested Citation

Arieli, Tamar and Israel-Vleeschhouwer, Amos A., Borders and Bordering in Jewish Geo-Political Space (October 16, 2018). Geopolitics, 2018, DOI: 10.1080/14650045.2018.1477756 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3267452

Tamar Arieli (Contact Author)

Tel-Hai College ( email )

Israel

Amos A. Israel-Vleeschhouwer

Sapir Academic College - School of Law ( email )

Israel

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