Jewish Thought

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My Heart Is in the East

A poem by Judah Halevi.

Body of Land

In "escstatic" mysticism, the Land of Israel is a metaphor for the human body.

Mystical Israel

Medieval kabbalah offers various approaches to the Land of Israel.

Opposition From the Left

In viewing Judaism as a religion and not a nation, Reform Judaism saw the early Zionist movement as a threat.

Passive vs. Active Immigration

In 13th-century mysticism, two streams of thought emerged regarding the Land of Israel.

Maimonides on Israel

Rambam believed the Land of Israel does not have objective importance.

Judah Halevi On the Land of Israel

He believed the Land of Israel is necessary for living a complete Jewish life.

Rashi on Israel

Rashi's very first comment on the Torah focuses on the Jewish claim to the Land of Israel.

Ultra-Orthodox & Anti-Zionist

While most ultra-Orthodox Jews oppose Zionism in some way, groups like Neturei Karta and the Satmar Hasidim do not recognize the modern State of Israel.

The Promise of the Promised Land

In the Bible, possession of the Land of Israel is tied to moral behavior.

Israel in Rabbinic Literature

In rabbinic literature, the Land was of primary importance--even as the Diaspora grew.

Religious & Zionist

Religious Zionists believe that the Jewish return to Israel hastens the Messiah.

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