How Important is the Role of Religious Zionism?

Religious Zionism has played a critical and transformative role in the development of modern Israel, influencing both the religious and political landscapes of the country. It blends the Jewish faith with the principles of Zionism—the movement that advocated for the establishment of a Jewish state in the Land of Israel. Over time, religious Zionism has evolved, shifting from a fringe ideological perspective to a central force in Israeli politics, society, and religious life. But how important is the role of religious Zionism? To fully appreciate its significance, it is essential to understand its origins, its contributions to the state of Israel, and its current influence.

The Origins of Religious Zionism

Religious Zionism emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to both the rise of secular Jewish nationalism and the challenges facing Jews in Europe. While the secular Zionist movement, led by figures like Theodor Herzl, emphasized the need for a Jewish homeland for pragmatic, nationalistic, and often secular reasons, religious Zionists sought to integrate their religious beliefs with the Zionist ideal.

The roots of religious Zionism can be traced to Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (1808–1888), a leading figure in 19th-century European Jewry. Hirsch’s philosophy of Torah im Derech Eretz (Torah with the way of the land) called for a synthesis of Jewish religious tradition and participation in the broader society. His emphasis on Jewish self-reliance and engagement with the world laid a foundation for the later development of religious Zionism.

One of the most influential figures in religious Zionism, however, was Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook (1865–1935). As the first Ashkenazi chief rabbi of British Mandatory Palestine, Rabbi Kook saw the Zionist movement as divinely inspired and believed that the return to the Land of Israel was part of a greater process of spiritual redemption for the Jewish people. He viewed secular Zionists not as adversaries, but as unwitting partners in the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Rabbi Kook’s vision of a Jewish state that combined religious observance with national sovereignty shaped the ideological framework of religious Zionism.

The Role of Religious Zionism in the Establishment of Israel

Religious Zionism played an essential role in the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, contributing to both the religious and political infrastructure of the nascent state. From the early days of Zionist settlement in Palestine, religious Zionist groups were involved in founding kibbutzim (agricultural settlements) and participating in the establishment of new communities in the Land of Israel. These communities sought to combine religious observance with pioneering Zionist ideals, contributing to the unique character of Israeli society.

However, religious Zionists did not always have a smooth relationship with the secular Zionist movement. Early secular Zionist leaders, such as David Ben-Gurion, viewed religion as a private matter that had little place in the public sphere of the new state. Many secular Zionists were committed to creating a modern, democratic, and secular state, seeing religion as a force that could hinder national progress. This tension culminated in the struggle over the role of religious law in the governance of the state and the place of religious institutions in the public sphere.

Despite these tensions, religious Zionists made significant contributions to the formation of the new state. They played a key role in the creation of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), with religious Zionist leaders advocating for military service as a way to integrate religious Jews into the defense of the Jewish homeland. They also played an influential role in the establishment of religious schools, yeshivot (Jewish religious academies), and other institutions that would serve to nurture the religious and spiritual life of the Jewish people in the modern state.

Religious Zionism and Its Influence on Israeli Politics

The importance of religious Zionism in Israeli politics cannot be overstated. The 1970s and 1980s saw a rise in the political power of religious Zionism, particularly with the formation of the National Religious Party (NRP), which represented religious Zionist interests in the Knesset (Israeli parliament). The NRP was one of the first political parties to advocate for the integration of Jewish religious values with the policies of the Israeli state. Over time, the NRP became a significant player in Israeli politics, especially in coalition governments where it played a key role in shaping policy on issues such as education, land, and religious law.

One of the most important aspects of religious Zionism’s political influence has been its stance on the Land of Israel. Religious Zionists view the entire land, including areas beyond the pre-1967 borders, as an integral part of the biblical homeland promised to the Jewish people. This view has shaped Israel’s policies regarding settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Religious Zionist groups, particularly those associated with the Gush Emunim (Bloc of the Faithful) movement, were instrumental in establishing Jewish settlements in the territories captured during the Six-Day War of 1967. For many religious Zionists, these settlements are seen as fulfilling a divine commandment and contributing to the messianic redemption of the Jewish people.

The political influence of religious Zionism has grown significantly in recent years, especially with the rise of political parties such as Naftali Bennett’s Yamina party, which advocates for a blend of right-wing politics and religious Zionist ideology. The influence of religious Zionism was particularly evident in the coalition government formed in 2021, where Bennett became prime minister and the Religious Zionism party, led by Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, gained prominence in the government.

Religious Zionism and Israeli Society

Religious Zionism’s role in Israeli society extends far beyond politics. It has had a profound impact on the religious, cultural, and social fabric of the country. Religious Zionist communities have created a network of schools, synagogues, community centers, and charitable organizations that have enriched the religious life of Israel. The religious Zionist worldview, which emphasizes the sanctity of both the land and the people of Israel, has shaped the way many Israelis view their relationship with the Jewish state and the world.

The educational system is one of the central pillars of religious Zionism’s influence. Religious Zionist schools, or dati leumi (national-religious) institutions, combine religious studies with a secular education. These schools have produced a generation of young Israelis who are committed to both their Jewish heritage and the Zionist mission. Graduates of religious Zionist schools often go on to serve in the IDF, pursue careers in business or academia, and participate actively in Israeli society, while maintaining a strong connection to their faith and values.

Additionally, religious Zionism has had a significant impact on Israel’s cultural landscape. Many religious Zionists are involved in the arts, literature, and media, creating a vibrant cultural scene that reflects both their religious values and their commitment to the Zionist project. Religious Zionist music, literature, and art often grapple with questions of faith, identity, and the connection between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.

The Challenges and Future of Religious Zionism

Despite its many successes, religious Zionism faces several challenges in contemporary Israeli society. One of the key issues is the tension between religious and secular Israelis. While religious Zionists have been successful in integrating themselves into the political and social life of the country, they continue to struggle with their place in a secular state. The ongoing debate over the role of religion in public life, including issues such as military service for religious Jews, the status of Jewish law, and the balance between religious and secular education, remains a central concern.

Moreover, the political landscape of Israel is becoming increasingly fragmented, and the rise of more extreme right-wing religious factions has led to tensions within the broader religious Zionist community. Some religious Zionist leaders advocate for a more hardline approach to issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while others call for greater dialogue and cooperation with non-religious Israelis.

Conclusion

Religious Zionism plays a vital role in shaping the political, religious, and cultural landscape of Israel. From its theological foundations in the writings of figures like Rabbi Kook to its significant political and social contributions in modern Israeli society, religious Zionism has proven to be a dynamic force in the development of the Jewish state. Its influence continues to be felt today, as religious Zionist parties shape policy, religious institutions guide spiritual life, and a growing community of religious Zionists contribute to the cultural and social fabric of Israel. As Israel faces new challenges, the role of religious Zionism will remain an essential element in the ongoing conversation about the future of the Jewish state and its place in the world.