The establishment of a Jewish state in the Land of Israel, guided by religious principles and values, to fulfill divine promises and ensure the continuity of Jewish culture and tradition.
Religious Zionism is a political ideology that combines Jewish religious faith with Zionist nationalism. It emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to the secular Zionist movement, which sought to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine without necessarily adhering to traditional Jewish religious beliefs and practices. Religious Zionists, on the other hand, believe that the return of Jews to the Land of Israel is a divine commandment and a precursor to the Messianic era.
The roots of Religious Zionism can be traced back to Rabbi Yitzchak Yaacov Reines, who founded the Mizrachi movement in 1902. Mizrachi, an acronym for "Mercaz Ruchani" (Spiritual Center), aimed to integrate religious Jews into the Zionist movement while maintaining their commitment to Jewish law. This movement grew and evolved over the years, leading to the establishment of various political parties and organizations that represent the interests of religious Zionists.
One of the key figures in the development of Religious Zionism was Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, the first Ashkenazi chief rabbi of British Mandatory Palestine. Rabbi Kook saw Zionism as part of a divine plan, leading to the redemption of the Jewish people. He believed that secular Zionists, even if they were not religious themselves, were unknowingly fulfilling a religious mission.
Religious Zionism has had a significant impact on Israeli politics and society. Religious Zionist parties have often played key roles in Israeli coalition governments, influencing policies on issues such as settlement construction in the West Bank and the status of Jerusalem. They also have a strong presence in the Israel Defense Forces and in the settler movement.
Over the years, Religious Zionism has become more diverse, with different streams emphasizing different aspects of the ideology. Some focus on the religious and spiritual dimensions, while others prioritize nationalist and political goals. Despite these differences, all share a belief in the religious significance of the State of Israel and the importance of Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel.
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