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.

Abraham Isaac Kook

According to Kook, Jews can only reach their full spiritual potential in the Land of Israel.

Homeless At Home

In the book of Genesis, the patriarchs gained possession but not control of the Land of Israel.

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 Land of Israel in Classical Jewish Sources

Biblical and Rabbinic Sources on the Land of Israel. Judaism and the Land of Israel. Jewish Ideas and Beliefs.

The Land of Israel in Modern Jewish Thought

In modernity, Jews have believed in various kinds of Zionism--and some have also stood in opposition.