An accidental Galut? A critical reappraisal of Irish Jewish foundation myths.

The marginality of Irish Jews within both Irish and Jewish worlds and their consequent lack of interest to scholars, has meant that the traditional narratives of Irish Jewish history have only begun to be interrogated relatively recently. This paper demonstrates how new approaches, informed by ongoing developments in Jewish Studies, can revolutionise our understanding of key aspects of Irish Jewish history such as migration to and settlement in Ireland. This allows us to progress beyond the realm of anecdote and foundation myth towards constructing a more sound, objective and inclusive historiography of Irish Jewry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]