JUDAISM AS AN EXAMPLE OF COUNTERCULTURE: HOW THE JEWISH ETHNO-RELIGION HAS SURVIVED FOR MILLENNIA

Abstract

Through a series of five case studies spanning Jewish history from the Bible to Modernity, this paper details the various ways in which Judaism in an example of counterculture within broader global social structures. Looking into Judaism through lenses spanning the lives of key Biblical figures like Avraham, the revolts occurring during the Second Temple, post-Temple Rabbinic Judaism dictated by liturgy and Jewish law, Medieval persecution of Jews, or modern issues of antisemitism, this thesis takes a deep dive into the many ways Judaism could have fizzled out and why it has persevered. Jewish peoplehood is incredibly nuanced, further proven by the fact that the combination of communal ties and faith in God have perpetually spurred the ethno-religion’s survival. The Jewish case is extraordinary and uncommon because its continuation is directly correlated to the idea that other people want to destroy it. The counterintuitive nature of Jewish resistance of assimilation has caused it to be the most premiere example of counterculture.