Differenzierte Offenheit und Strategien zur Selbstvergewisserung in Joseph und Aseneth

This article examines the narrative, theological and socio-cultural dynamics of the story of Joseph and Aseneth in the context of diaspora Jewish life. The focus is on differentiated strategies of interaction between Jews and non-Jews. The analysis shows how table fellowship, sexuality and family affiliation open up identity markers. Intercultural tensions are thematised and resolved through literary references to the story of Joseph (Gen 37–50). Aseneth’s transformation into a “daughter of God” illustrates an idealised proselytism that transcends the boundaries of ethnicity and emphasises the attractiveness of Jewish life. By portraying Egyptian characters as respectful and theologically approachable, Joseph and Aseneth propagates an openness to dialogue that simultaneously preserves the integrity of Jewish identity. The article argues that Joseph and Aseneth is less a document of demarcation, as some have argued, but rather can be read as a testimony of nuanced narrative and theological openness

Context (archaeology) · Diaspora · Human sexuality · Judaism · Narrative · Openness to experience · German Literature and Culture Studies · Memory, History, Trauma, Identity · Religion, Theology, History, Judaism, Christianity