ZIONISM - PRACTICAL
The Five Books of Moses (Pentateuch/Torah) – the basis for the Jewish religion, is meant to be practiced in the context of national existence in the land of Israel. The Torah anticipates residence upon the Land, as well as exile from it. As opposed to all other religious phenomena in the world, the whole of Israel is both a Holyland and a Homeland . Zionism is Israel’s national ideology. Judaism is a nationality as well as a religion. The text of the Torah reveals that, not only the agricultural and cultic elements are preceded by the introduction: “When you come into the land”. Even commandments such as fairness in business etc., are set in the frame of national existence - with specific reference to the Land. There is also the clear threat of expulsion from the land if these “personal” commands are not carried out. Modern Zionism , building on the longstanding Jewish yearning for a “return to Zion”, began in the 19 th century – right about the time that nationa...