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June 14, 2026Arcadia - International Journal for Literary Studies0 citations

Exile or Not: Deterritorialization of Soviet Jews

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SHStefani Hoffman

Key Points

  • This essay explores the views of Soviet Jewish intellectuals on exile and identity during the late 20th century.
  • Analyzing the theory of 'minor literature' related to Soviet Jewish experiences.
  • Studying cases of authors in different exile situations including internal exile, immigration to Germany, or Israel.
  • Examining the influence of Russian intelligentsia attitudes on the decisions of Soviet Jews.
  • Soviet Jewish intellectuals felt a sense of deterritorialization leading to varied choices regarding exile or immigration.
  • Their attitudes were shaped by traditional views and theoretical frameworks surrounding Jewish exile.
  • Complex realities confronted their theoretical bases, leading to modifications in how they understood their identities.

Abstract

Abstract This essay examines late 20 th -century Soviet Jewish intellectuals’ views on exile and identity. Using the theory of ‘minor literature,’ I study representative cases of authors who felt deterritorialized in the USSR and decided upon (1) internal exile; (2) immigration to Germany; or (3) immigration to Israel. Influenced by traditional Russian intelligentsia attitudes, Soviet Jews also alluded to theories of Jewish exile to defend their decisions. In all cases, encounters with a complex reality either subverted or modified the theoretical basis for choices.

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Cite This Study

Stefani Hoffman (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a2e4753b1cc60ccdea8bcf9https://doi.org/10.1515/arcadia-2026-2007
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