"The question of boundaries is a major question of the Jewish people because the Jews are the great experts of crossing boundaries. They have a sense of identity inside themselves that doesn't permit them to cross boundaries with other people"
- A. B. Yehoshua
About this Quote
A. B. Yehoshua's quote on the Jewish individuals and borders is a nuanced observation on cultural identity and the characteristics of social interaction. Yehoshua recommends that the concept of limits is central to Jewish identity. This surpasses physical and geopolitical borders, delving into the metaphorical and existential borders that define self and neighborhood.
Firstly, when Yehoshua refers to Jews as "excellent experts of crossing boundaries," he acknowledges a historical resilience and versatility. Over centuries, Jewish neighborhoods have actually migrated throughout continents, melding into different cultures while preserving distinct traditions and beliefs. This history of diaspora suggests an ability to browse and bridge varied socio-cultural landscapes. Jews have contributed considerably to societies worldwide, typically serving as intermediaries in between cultures and ideas. Their competence in "crossing borders" can be viewed as being adept at combination and development without complete assimilation.
However, Yehoshua complicates this notion by highlighting an internal "sense of identity" that withstands complete merger with others. This stress in between combination and preservation is reflective of the Jewish diasporic condition-- preserving an unique identity while engaging with surrounding cultures. This internal boundary is not about exclusion but about preserving a core set of values and beliefs that define Jewish identity. It speaks with a cultural self-questioning that values connection and distinctiveness.
In essence, Yehoshua highlights a paradox: the Jewish individuals are simultaneously border crossers and preservers of borders. These boundaries are not impenetrable walls but more like membranes that enable exchange while preserving essence. This dual nature has allowed Jewish culture to both influence and be influenced, flourishing as a distinct entity without losing itself in the wide range. The quote invites reflection on the balance between universality and particularity, illustrating a broader human style: the negotiation of identities in a complex world.
This quote is written / told by A. B. Yehoshua somewhere between December 19, 1936 and today. He/she was a famous Novelist from Israel.
The author also have 10 other quotes.