Discovering Jews in Southern Africa: A Critical Approach to the Comparative Method

Abstract

This article addresses the usefulness of the comparative method. By introducing two case studies specific to southern Africa, the comparison
of the Zulu and Lemba to the ancient Israelite practice of Judaism, the author is able to explore the dynamics of power relations, politics, identity and space. These dynamics are further pursued by attempting to gain a greater understanding of the situations by looking at each case study from as many perspectives as possible. The concluding remarks focus on the inherent problems of the comparative method itself in an attempt to determine its effectiveness.