Mapping Jewish Experiences

Session Submission Type: Lightning Session

Abstract

Mapping Jewish Experiences explores the intersections of geography, history, culture, and identity within Jewish communities worldwide. This lightning session investigates how mapping techniques, spatial analysis, and visualization can deepen our understanding of Jewish history, migration patterns, diasporic networks, and the formation of Jewish identities. By examining maps as dynamic tools for visualizing historical narratives, the panel seeks to illuminate the diverse ways in which Jewish communities have interacted with and shaped their physical and cultural landscapes over time. Through interdisciplinary dialogue, this panel seeks to foster innovative approaches to studying Jewish history and culture through the lens of spatial analysis and mapping methodologies.


Questions:
How can mapping techniques help us understand the geographical spread and migration patterns of Jewish communities throughout history?
How can digital mapping technologies enhance our exploration of Jewish history and culture, and what are the challenges and limitations of such approaches?
In what ways do maps contribute to our understanding of the Jewish diaspora, including migration routes, settlement patterns, and cultural diffusion?
How can mapping methodologies be integrated with other interdisciplinary approaches, such as archaeology, anthropology, sociology, and religious studies, to deepen our understanding of Jewish history and culture?
What ethical considerations should be taken into account when using mapping techniques to study Jewish communities, particularly regarding issues of privacy, representation, and cultural sensitivity?

Sub Unit

• Digital Humanities (Wildcard Division)

Chair

• Laura Eckstein, University of Pennsylvania

Individual Presentations

• Putting Jewish Languages on the Map - Sarah Bunin Benor, Hebrew Union College; Jacob Kohn, Bandhu

• The World of the OLOMEINU / OUR WORLD Children's Magazine - Dainy Bernstein, University of Pennsylvania

• Wrangling Metadata in the Multilingual Landscape of Jewish Central and Eastern Europe - Christa Patricia Whitney, Yiddish Book Center; Carole Renard, Yiddish Book Center

Zoom Host

• Zoom Host 02