Analysis Of Orthodox Judaism’s Position Towards Zionism

As early as after the destruction of the first temple, when the ancient Jewish people had lost their homes,"Zionism" as a simple idea of "come back home" has rooted in the hearts of Jews in Diaspora. The hope of returning to the Promised Land has made the thought of "Zionism" a continuous influence to Diasporas Jews all around the world. The prayer "Next year in Jerusalem" has become a part of daily life of Jews;"Aliyah" which is the action of returning to Jerusalem occurred many times in history as well. In the mid-nineteenth century, the thought of Zionism finally formed a political theory system; Jewish Zionism with guiding principles, organizations and unified leadership was also gradually rising and developing throughout the world. Owing to Zionism is a secular political movement in essence; it has various different views or even inevitable conflicting opinions with Jewish religious people since the rising of the movement. In modern times, because of the differentiation towards the religious reformation, Judaism has been divided into Orthodox Judaism, Reform Judaism and Conservative Judaism, of which, Orthodox Judaism as a strict inheritor, in the face of modern secular political Zionism movement, inevitably shows a more entangled, more complicated and even stronger, more extreme attitude. According to the differences of the degree of compliance on traditional Judaism beliefs, customs and laws as well as the differences on their attitudes towards modern society and reformation, Orthodox Judaism can be roughly divided into Modern Orthodox Judaism, Ultra-Orthodox Judaism and the Hasid. Modern Orthodox Judaism adheres to Jewish traditions while admits that adjusting itself according to the development of modern society is necessary. In face of Zionism, they have showed tolerance and support in varying degrees. However, these tolerance and support are built on the basis of not violating basic beliefs and fundamental principles of Judaism. Thus we call Modern Orthodox Judaism Zionism’s "tolerant ones who are supportive but abide by principles". Ultra-Orthodox Judaism completely follows Torah and strictly adheres to Jewish traditions. They do not want to change nor do they accept modern things. Therefore they firmly oppose to Zionism, not only keep distance with Zionists, but also fiercely condemn them and even fight against them. Hence we call Ultra-Orthodox Judaism Zionism’s "agitated objectors". The Hasid is similar with Ultra-Orthodox Judaism in obeying Jewish laws, following Jewish customs, attitudes towards reformation and modern things. Both the Hasid and Ultra-Orthodox Judaism are fundamentalists that stick to traditions. The Hasid also holds an attitude of resistance and opposition towards Zionism. They refute and attack Zionism according to the Judaism beliefs and theology. In this case we call the Hasid Zionism’s "harsh thorough rejecters". Complex attitudes of Orthodox Judaism on Zionism later led directly to the formation of two opposite political organizationsAgudath Israel and Mizrahi. The former insists on opposing Zionism while the latter advocates combination of religion and Zionism. Generally speaking, Orthodox Judaism’s position towards Zionism can be summed up as "oppose in principle, partly support in practice". This position is caused by many factors. Orthodox Judaism opposing Zionism in principle is originated from the differences on belief of "Messiah", concept of "Galuth", attitudes towards "Ilaskala", and understanding of "nationalism"; the reasons that some of Orthodox Judaism support Zionism in practice can be summarized as the following four aspects: the deep yearning for "Promised Land", the jointly resistance to "assimilation", a way out of "Anti-Semitic frenzy" and a subsistence choice after "The Holocaust". Attitudes and positions of Orthodox Judaism towards Zionism have also reflected the entangled state when tradition facing modern times and religion confronting secular society.