Zionism
In the years just after World War II, Zionism (the desire to rebuild a Jewish national presence in the Promised Land) became a popular Jewish cause all around the world. Many Jews who were not practicing Judaism at all with religion became involved with the establishment of the State of Israel. Even today, many years after the successful founding of the State of Israel, there are Jews whose only real tie to Judaism is their belief in Zionism and their support for the State of Israel. They are joined by many Jews who are members of synagogues and support a modern Jewish religious movement, but who also find their prime identity as Jews in the Zionist cause.
Broadly speaking, Zionists are proud that a small and struggling state made up mainly of Jews has created a modern democracy out of what were barren mountainsides, near deserts, and mosquito-breeding marshes. Zionists also point with pride at the ability of the Israelis to defend their land against the claims and armies of neighboring Arab nations.
SECULAR JUDAISM
Secular Jews express their Jewish identities in a variety of ways. Some feel attached to the State of Israel, but their Zionist leanings are not a strong driving force in their lives. Some feel a tie to Jewish religion and attend religious services from time to time, often on the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur , but they do not maintain a lifelong membership in a synagogue or temple. Some secular Jews express their identity through study sometimes returning to the study of Judaism in their later years, sometimes seeing study as a way of searching for their roots. Often, secular Jews look for spirituality——sometimes turning to Jewish ideas and practices, even if they never fully return ...
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...ic Judaism than they are in any other Jewish religious group. Unlike the vast majority of Jews in this or any other age, the Hasidim read the Bible as the literal word of God believing, for example, that the world was actually created in seven days. Hasidic Judaism is also cult-like in its demand for complete and blind faith on the part of its adherents who live in small tightly knit, carefully controlled communities.
The Hasidic movement is the smallest Jewish religious group in the world Like many other radical, rightwing movements in the history of Judaism, Hasidic Judaism is probably vestigial——the last gasp of a movement which once brought new vigor to the Jewish world. Ironically, early Hasidism was the exact opposite of present day Hasidism——it set out to be a liberalizing influence in a Jewish world that was itself moving toward the radical religious right.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that zionism, the desire to rebuild a jewish national presence in the promised land, became popular jewish cause after world war ii.
- Explains that secular jews express their jewish identities in a variety of ways. some feel attached to the state of israel, but their zionist leanings are not strong driving force in their lives.
- Explains that orthodox jews claim to hold the true religion of judaism, which began to organize and solidify its beliefs in the nineteenth century.
- Explains that reform judaism began in germany in the early nineteenth century, but its success was limited compared to the united states, where there was no connection between the organized jewish community and government.
- Explains that conservative judaism emerged in germany and america in the last century.
- Explains that the reconstructionist movement broke away from conservative judaism in the 1920s to follow the teachings of the brilliant rabbi, mordecai kaplan.
- Explains that hasidic judaism is a vocal sub-group that wields influence beyond its small numbers.
Related
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- explanatory
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- Zionism and Non Zionistsanalytical essayZionism declares that “the Jews are more than a purely religious body, they are not only a race but also a nation” (Berkowitz 376). Theodor Herzl, the father of political Zionism, states, “We are a people- one people.” Both Herzl and Berkowitz have interesting key points about a Jewish State, the Jewish religion in general, and how to solve current issues in the religion. A State is formed by a social contract and is still being created today. Rousseau states, “The conditions of this contract are so precisely defined by the nature of the agreement that the slightest alterations would make them null and void. The consequence is that, even where they are not expressly stated, they are everywhere identical, and everywhere tacitly accepted and recognized.” States are mainly created by a nation struggling with social and political disputes. They are difficult to form because of opportunities for land. For example, most territories form because of breaking off from their mother countries. “We depend for sustenance on the nations who are our hosts, and if we had no hosts to support us we should die of starvation.” Herzl states that Jews have been faithfully repeating Anti-Semite’s words because of unjust accusations and the need to realize that the world is always changing and adding new properties.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how herzl and berkowitz have key points about a jewish state, the jewish religion in general, and how to solve current issues in the religion.
- Analyzes how zionist and non-zionist hearts bleed together at cruelty and mistreatment of jews, but there are many differences in their portrayal of them.
- Opines that zionism and the jewish state would face many risks, including land disputes, current communities moving to a new land, and past and future suffering.
- Compares herzl and berkowitz's views on the jewish state and its risks and rewards.
- Analyzes how herzl and berkowitz agree that the jewish problem exists wherever jews live in perceptible numbers because it is carried by the course of migration.
1178 wordsRead More - Zionismanalytical essayDo you know the moral to the story of the tortoise and the hare? Is it slow and steady wins the race? Or is it that cockiness gets you nowhere? They are both correct but this is a good example of how a children’s fable, like interpretations of the bible, can easily be different from one another. Interpretations of the bible vary and occasionally get the message wrong, but this variation can be attributed differences of opinion in interpretation. Whether motivated by politics, social presuppositions, or theological differences the variation can paint a contrasting picture of Biblical information. Time plays a very large part in the variations of Biblical interpretation. The interpretation according to the rabbinic midrash is very different than interpretations according to modern Zionism or for that matter modern Feminism.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how a children's fable, like interpretations of the bible, can easily be different from one another.
- Explains that the classic midrash served an important purpose for s of the torah. it allowed them to create a way to connect with the jewish people.
- Explains that rabbis developed a distinct branch of jewish mysticism, the kabala, which interprets the scriptures in an esoteric manner and seeks answers to the divine mysteries.
- Explains that herzl thought that jewish people should move to an area where they could escape the anti-semitism in germany. zionism's ideals are to establish a national identity for the jewish community.
- Explains modern feminism is a combination of feminist rich interpretations of traditional texts combined with the exploration of historical women’s religious practices. the contemporary haggadot focuses to incorporate historical personalities of both women and men.
- Opines that the main reason for the changing of the interpretations of biblical scriptures is not always to help connect people with their religion.
591 wordsRead More - Hasidic Judaism Religionexplanatory essayThere are thousands of religions in this world, and of those, Hasidic Judaism is the most conservative. Throughout history Hasidism has not drifted from the rules and rituals of the 18th century. From the clothing, to the food, everything involved in Hasidic daily life is geared towards becoming closer to God. Around the world there are numerous Hasidic groups, and the largest population is in New York. Hasidic people live in small towns filled with members of the same group, and they all look towards their rebbe for guidance. The rebbe or the rabbi is the teacher of his followers and is responsible for inspiring his people. For Hasidic people everyday they must live by the 613 commandments of the Torah. Hasidic history, study, clothing, food, and communities prove that Hasidic Judaism is the most conservative and orthodox branch of religion for its time.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that hasidic judaism is the most conservative and orthodox branch of religion for its time.
- Explains that baal shem tov, the founder of hasidic judaism, encouraged unschooled and underprivileged people to focus on mysticism and to be more emotional.
- Explains that hasidic judaism is powerful because they study the torah and the talmud. men over the age of 13 pray three formal prayers throughout the day.
- Explains that hasidic fashion is prayerful and modest. women wear a wig or scarf to cover their hair, which shows their devotion to modesty.
- Explains that separation between genders is essential for all hasidic men and women.
1371 wordsRead More - The Influence Of Zionism On The Jewish People Of Israelanalytical essaywhere Judaism is practiced that does not agree with Islam (Isseroff). This means that Palestine does not have sovereignty over this area where they feel Islamic culture is being threatened and they are now unable to contain within their borders (Abu-Amr). Also, Israel feels as if they have the right to be considered a state and that they are just as important and should be able to rule their own land without being attacked or not recognized as a state and to practice Jewish ideals (Metcalf). Arab countries feel as if the form of Israel, was a way to move away from normal Islamic culture which is another way that nationalism plays a part in the on-going conflict (Metcalf). Zionism plays a part in the Jewish people of Israel feeling as if
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how jewish and arab culture oppose each other because of the strong sense of nationalism and need for sovereignty.
- Explains that power is defined as a way to control or change the way people act by attaining material or immaterial attributes. soft power has to do with the state's actions and how this affects what other states may do.
372 wordsRead More - American Judaism: Orthodox to Reform and Everything betweenexplanatory essayAmerican Jews today identify themselves as Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, or Reconstructionist. These four movements in modern American Judaism are different in many aspects, but one must remember that even though there are differences in the different beliefs of the Jewish movements, that all Jews share a common bond of a history and a destiny. They are one people. These four movements are not considered denominations, but are differing philosophies. Many Jewish religious observances and practices cannot be easily put into a single particular movement because within each movement there is a wide diversity in custom, practice, and observance. These movements range from traditional to liberal and those in between.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that american jews today identify themselves as orthodox, reform, conservative, or reconstructionist. although there are differences in the different beliefs of the jewish movements, they share a common bond of history and destiny.
- Explains that orthodox judaism considers itself the authentic bearer of the religious jewish tradition and believes strongly in the preservation of tradition.
- Explains that orthodox judaism is based on strict observance of laws and traditions. they believe that the torah is true and has come down to modern times intact.
- Explains that orthodox judaism adheres to strict dietary laws, such as the kashrut, and the proper way to slaughter animals. they devote the sabbath to prayer, study, rest and visiting with friends and family.
- Explains that orthodox judaism follows strict rules on how services are conducted in synagogues. women and men are not allowed to pray together, and no woman can be a rabbi.
- Explains that orthodox judaism's resistance to itative nature of mitzvahs and other jewish laws is a deterrent that keeps people from remaining in this movement or converting to it.
- Explains that reform judaism is the most liberal movement in jewish society. it was the first of the modern interpretations to emerge in response to the changing political and cultural environment.
- Explains the key elements of reform judaism as it developed were the normalization of jewish life and the breaking down of barriers between jews and non-jews.
- Explains that reform judaism doesn't believe in observance of the mitzvah and places an emphasis on ethical teachings and not rituals. orthodox in their traditional ideology cling to the past, while reform braces modernity and the future.
- Opines that reform judaism has to change in order to survive and meet new situations. these innovations include the use of music in sabbath services, the elimination of hebrew as the only language, and the view of women by the reform movement.
- Opines that reform judaism's liberalism leaves its own wanting more. this need for more has led some members to look for other answers and paths for their religious needs.
- Explains that conservative judaism grew out of the tension between orthodox and reform movements. it maintains that the truths found in the torah and other jewish scriptures and writings come from god, but were transmitted by humans.
- Explains the middle roadness of conservative judaism. it is neither orthodox nor reform, but is some of each for different aspects and observances.
- Explains that conservative judaism takes a middle-of-the-road approach to the ideologies of both orthodox and reform movements.
- Explains that reconstructionist judaism is an outgrowth from conservative ju
- Explains that reconstructionist judaism does not observe mitzvahs or follow the teachings of the torah because it is a valuable cultural observance.
- Explains that reconstructionist judaism is similar to reform in that it gives full equality to women in all aspects of religious life and was the movement that developed bat mitzvah ceremonies for girls.
- Explains that american judaism today is both diverse and traditional in its views.
- Cites de lange, nicholas, einstein, stephen, kukoff, lydia, hertzberg, arthur, and rich, tracey r.
1801 wordsRead More - Late into the 19th century, Zionism (a biblical name for Jerusalem) started to rise when Theodor Herzl published an article that concluded Jewish assimilation and emancipation could not work in Europe. It was this that started plans for the creation of a Jewish statehood. During this time, the population of Jews were spread out across different countries, and in each of these countries, they had represented a minority. Throughout this period, they had longed for a state in which they called Eretz Israel, the land of Israel. Herzl’s proposed solution was for the revival of a Jewish homeland where they could set up a state belonging to themselves. Following his publishings, the First Zionist Congress was held in Switzerland. The program state that “The aim of Zionism is to create for the Jewish people a homeland in Palestine secure by public law”. Much of the Jewish community at this point held mixed views about this movement but it was this time period of the late 19th ce...
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how hitler's persecuting of jews in germany in the 1930s led to the rise of the jewish population in palestine.
- Explains how the british involvement in the balfour declaration helped the zionist movement establish a jewish state in palestine.
- Explains that the british empire's support for the jewish state in palestine was outlived after the balfour declaration was revoked.
- Explains that the biltmore conference changed the zionist movement's ideals from building a homeland for the jews to creating refuge for jews.
- Analyzes how the events of world war ii helped the creation of israel. the first zionist congress was held in switzerland.
951 wordsRead More - Hasidism and Higher Education: Do They Clash?analytical essayWhen Hasidim, who belong to an ultra-pious movement within Orthodox Judaism, immigrated during the post World War ll era in large numbers to America, they sought to build a community similar to the European Shtetl culture to which they were accustomed. In the Shtetl they had lived a traditional and insular lifestyle. Hasidic leaders of the new immigrants founded communities that shunned contemporary Western Culture. Their successors continue to lead the mainstream Hasidic establishment with the same ideals. The only contact with society at large these communities accept is the contact that is necessary for them to nourish themselves.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that hasidim, who belong to an ultra-pious movement within orthodox judaism, immigrated to america in large numbers. they sought to build a community similar to the european shtetl culture to which they were accustomed.
- Argues that a college education is essential for one's self-sufficiency. the earlier generation of american hasidim built their wealth under different circumstances.
- Explains that kiryas joel is a village in upstate new-york, where the majority of its residents are part of the satmar hasidic sect.
- Explains that ashkenazi jews are known as over-achievers. they have a disproportionate amount of nobel prize winners. there is no reason why hasidim cannot reach the same benchmark.
558 wordsRead More - After Auschwitz and The Jewish State: Rubenstein and Herzlanalytical essayThe Jewish State was a book written by Herzl in 1895, which gave reasons for the Jewish population to move from Europe to either Argentina or Israel and make a new Jewish state of their own. Herzl thought the Jewish people had obtained a solid national identity but lacked a nation with a political system of their own. With their own Jewish State, the Jews could be free to practice their religion and culture without the fear of anti-Semitism. In The Jewish State he wrote. Herzl suggested a plan for political action in which they would acquire the Jewish State. He believed Jews trying to assimilate into European society were wasting their time, because the majority would always decide their role in society. As the anti-Semitism in Europe grew, it became clear that the only way to solve the Jewish problem would be to create their own Jewish sta...
In this essay, the author
- Argues that rubenstein and herzl viewed religion in very similar ways. their major works, after auschwitz and the jewish state, described their view of a place where jews could gather and call home.
- Analyzes herzl's book, the jewish state, which gave reasons for the jewish population to move from europe to argentina or israel and make a new jewish state of their own.
- Analyzes how herzl's vision of the jewish state was the primary view for the zionist movement.
- Analyzes how rubenstein argued that after the holocaust the active and just god was no longer possible. he stressed the significance of ceremonies, rites of passage, and the religious community over ideology and morality.
- Analyzes how neither rubenstein nor herzl placed great importance on the religious activities in judaism, and more on social and political factors contributing to the development and progress of the jewish state.
870 wordsRead More - Conflict In Israelopinion essaySince the inception of an Israeli nation-state in 1948, violence and conflict has played a major role in Israel’s brief history. In the Sixty-One year’s Israel has been a recognized nation-state, they have fought in 6 interstate wars, 2 civil wars, and over 144 dyadic militarized interstate disputes (MIDs) with some display of military force against other states (Maoz 5). Israel has been involved in constant conflict throughout the past half century. Israel’s tension against other states within the Middle East has spurred vast economic, social, and political unity that has fostered a sense of nationalism and unity in Israel not seen in most other states. Over the next several pages I will try and dissect the reasons for why the nation state of Israel has been emerged in constant conflict and how this conflict has helped foster national unity and identity among the people of Israel.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that violence and conflict have played a major role in israel's brief history. israel has been involved in constant conflict throughout the past half century.
- Explains that israel's involvement in war is not a new phenomenon. military conflict has been true throughout the history of the jewish nation.
- Analyzes how the babylonians destroyed jerusalem, and the jewish diaspora spread throughout the middle east, ensuring israel's national survival and spiritual identity.
- Explains that herzl's pamphlet, der judenstaat, argues that the continual struggle with anti-semitism could be harnessed to reinforce a jewish identity.
- Describes the israeli war of independence, which lasted six months and cost israel 6,000 lives, more than one percent of the total population.
- Opines that israel has been put in a difficult situation, surrounded by countries that do not recognize them, and culture that is constantly looked down upon.
- Explains that the arab world is fundamentally hostile towards israel, and iran has claimed the holocaust never happened and that israel should be destroyed.
- Opines that israel must create a quality manpower that excels in both education and technology. the quality of the working force in israel will determine its economic output across the globe.
- Opines that israel must always be ready to fight, since it is one-fourth the size of south carolina, and must be able to fully mobilize its entire country in a moment's notice.
- Opines that israel must fight short wars for the two reasons listed above. they must create a sense of nationalism and pride in one’s country that keeps the israeli people engaged in the efforts of the government.
- Analyzes how israel's history dates back thousands of years from nomadic tribes to kings that ruled over millions. israel has turned the devastation of war into a constructive action that has kept it alive and powerful.
1986 wordsRead More - Theodor Herzlexplanatory essayTheodor Herzl is notably credited with being the father of modern day Zionism, an ideology that ultimately led to the establishment of a national homeland for Jews in Palestine. The concept of a national homeland for the Jewish people was by no means a new idea conceived in Herzl’s time, in fact the idea of return to Zion is predated to biblical times. For over two millennia the Jewish people had persevered through an overwhelming amount of adversity, bouncing from one catastrophic disturbance to the next. Ironically these tragic episodes in Jewish history are what helped stimulate an unshakable social bond unlike any other in the world. So why does Herzl have the distinction of being the patriarch of “Modern Day Zionism”? More importantly why did he succeed where so many before him failed? It is known that Herzl thoroughly understood the prevailing political sentiments of the period, and cleverly yet relentlessly utilized what ever means were available to him in order to promote the case for his vision of a Zionist state in a way his predecessors were unable to. Most of Herzl’s thoughts were based on keen observation and understanding of politics and law. For the most part he felt that while his predecessors were genuinely compassionate in seeking a possible solution for the ‘Jewish Problem’, he noted that they focused primarily on particular segments of Jewish society (religious, the poor, the oppressed etc…) instead of the whole inclusive. At no time does Herzl publically point a finger at the failure of others but stresses the importance of observing and learning from past mistakes. Undoubtedly Theodor Herzl was greatly influenced by many Zionist thinkers whose ideas he incorporated into his vision of the Jewish State. Two pr...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that herzl was credited with being the father of modern day zionism, an ideology that ultimately led to the establishment of a national homeland for jews in palestine.
- Explains that theodor herzl was greatly influenced by many zionist thinkers whose ideas he incorporated into his vision of the jewish state.
- Explains that zvi hirsch kalisher was destined for the rabbinate from an early age. he received his talmudic education and moved to thorn where for over forty years became the acting rabbi there.
- Explains that kalischer's radical and controversial ideas were often disputed by many in the rabbinate, which made it difficult for him to procure potential financial contributors to support his ideas.
- Describes mosses hess, the founder of labor zionism, as a self-effacing person who prefers to remain in the background.
- Analyzes how hess saw the urgency of creating a jewish national state in palestine, which would be founded on socialist values and ideology.
- Explains that herzl was born into a modern and fairly assimilated jewish family in budapest, hungary. the dreyfus affair triggered anti-semitism and led to the publication of "der judenstaat".
- Explains that herzl was relentlessly persistent in his pursuit of a viable solution that would be universally accepted in accordance with the laws of the time.
- Explains that herzl's vision of a national homeland for the jewish people was rooted in pragmatic reality.
- Explains achad ha'am: jewish state and jewish problem 1897.
- Narrates the first zionist congress: basel 29 - 31 august 1897.
- Explains the "library of most controversial files." the controversial files.
- Narrates the first to twelfth zionist congress (1897-1921).
2076 wordsRead More