Judaism and Human Geography

Judaism is a religion and a way of life that combines beliefs as well as practical commandments and traditions, encompassing all spheres of life. Some of the numerous precepts emerge directly from the Torah (the Law of Moses). Others are commanded by Oral Law, rulings of illustrious Jewish legal scholars throughout the generations, and rabbinic responsa composed over hundreds of years and still being written today. Like other religions, Judaism has also developed unique symbols that have become virtually exclusive to it, such as the Star of David and the menorah. This book argues that Judaism impacts human geography in significant ways: it shapes the environment and space of its believers, thus creating a unique “Jewish geography.”

“Judaism and Human Geography is a collection of fascinating articles that set up human geographical research as a mirror to the Jewish religion. The different ways communities adapted to different geographical areas and adhered to traditions and habits give the Jewish community landscape unique meanings. Human geography research of the cultural landscape of Jewish settlements, from rural planning or urban design to means of transportation and communication, should keep into consideration the extent to which Jewish religion was involved in shaping it. The selected articles reflect the author’s claim that Judaism requires behaviors of its adherents that are reflected in their human geography, thus creating a unique ‘Jewish geography.’ This book fills a gap in the existing research regarding Judaism and geography and highlights new directions of research for geographers in the context of Judaism and other religions. The chapters reflect a wide range of evidence for the author’s arguments, on Jerusalem’s neighborhoods, rural settlement in Israel, the settlement movement of the orthodox Zionists, and even ‘Jewish’ aspects of Toronto, Canada. All these provide plenty of examples for understanding Jewish cultural landscape, and offer challenging insights into human geography in the wider world.”

—Yossi Ben-Artzi, Department of Israel Studies, University of Haifa