In Hebrew, Zion refers to the citadel of Jerusalem and also to the Kingdom of Heaven. Zionism refers to the Jewish movement that arose among European Jews in the late nineteenth century to create a Jewish homeland in response to increasing Antisemitism. This movement was officially initiated in 1897 by Theodore Herzl (1860-1904) at the World Zionist Conference. Since then there have been organized attempts to persuade Jews to immigrate to Israel, otherwise known as Palestine. Zionism achieved its principal aim in 1948 with the establishment of a state of Israel which acknowledged, via the “Law of Return,” the right of all Jews to live within its borders. Modern Zionism is concerned with the support and development of the state of Israel.
One example of the Zionist movement being enacted in government policy is called “Birth Right.” This program encourages young Jews throughout the world (though the majority come from the US) ages 18-26, to visit the country of Israel in hopes that they will connect with the culture, history and people so that they may eventually migrate to Israel themselves. The trip also increases solidarity. The government of Israel pays for the ten day trip including airfare, most meals, and expenses associated with touring, hotels, etc.
Jews in Israel are considered to be Sephardim or Ashkenazim. The Sephardim immigrated from the Iberian Peninsula (modern day Spain and Portugal), Middle East, and North Africa while the Ashkenazim derive from Europe. These titles indicate ethnic and cultural differences. Racial issues between the two groups have also been a problem in the past and while tensions still exist, overall they have been declining.
Here's a quick glance at some of the different kinds of Jewish beliefs you find in Israel, however, many fit into multiple groups or other divisions not listed here (and there are many; I haven't even talked about the Russians or the Arabs for instance).
Secular Jews may or may not believe in God, but they do not practice the basic rules of Judaism. For example, they don't keep Shabbat, they don't keep kosher, they eat pork, etc.
National Jews are considered to be religious, but not ultra orthodox. They can be identified by the braided kipa and strings that they wear.
The ultra Orthodox Jews or Haredim (“those who tremble before God”) don't believe in a government based in democratic rule, but in the rule of God. The men tend to sport beards with curling ear locks and dress in black suits and hats from 18th century Eastern Europe (you can identify them in my pictures by these traits). Women's dress varies, but they are always covered up and often wear long skirts and conceal their hair.
While Reform Jews keep their religious beliefs they're more moderate and believe in equality between the sexes.
Conservative Jews fall somewhere between Reform and Religious Jews as they do keep Shabbat and they do keep kosher, etc., but they observe the Torah from their own point of view.
Considered to be radicals within the Jewish community are the Neturei Karta who believe that God had promised to return the Jewish people to the Land of Israel only through the actions of the Jewish Messiah. Any activity on behalf of the Jews themselves to create or instigate this redemption is believed to hinder the coming of the messiah. Due to this, they are opposed to the occupation of Palestine and the Palestinians as well as to the existence of the state of Israel. However, many live in and visit Israel and view opposition to Zionism as an expression of love towards the Holy Land.
The grand majority of Jews, with exception to the Neturei Karta and some of the secular sect, tend to be Zionists.
One example of the Zionist movement being enacted in government policy is called “Birth Right.” This program encourages young Jews throughout the world (though the majority come from the US) ages 18-26, to visit the country of Israel in hopes that they will connect with the culture, history and people so that they may eventually migrate to Israel themselves. The trip also increases solidarity. The government of Israel pays for the ten day trip including airfare, most meals, and expenses associated with touring, hotels, etc.
Jews in Israel are considered to be Sephardim or Ashkenazim. The Sephardim immigrated from the Iberian Peninsula (modern day Spain and Portugal), Middle East, and North Africa while the Ashkenazim derive from Europe. These titles indicate ethnic and cultural differences. Racial issues between the two groups have also been a problem in the past and while tensions still exist, overall they have been declining.
Here's a quick glance at some of the different kinds of Jewish beliefs you find in Israel, however, many fit into multiple groups or other divisions not listed here (and there are many; I haven't even talked about the Russians or the Arabs for instance).
Secular Jews may or may not believe in God, but they do not practice the basic rules of Judaism. For example, they don't keep Shabbat, they don't keep kosher, they eat pork, etc.
National Jews are considered to be religious, but not ultra orthodox. They can be identified by the braided kipa and strings that they wear.
The ultra Orthodox Jews or Haredim (“those who tremble before God”) don't believe in a government based in democratic rule, but in the rule of God. The men tend to sport beards with curling ear locks and dress in black suits and hats from 18th century Eastern Europe (you can identify them in my pictures by these traits). Women's dress varies, but they are always covered up and often wear long skirts and conceal their hair.
While Reform Jews keep their religious beliefs they're more moderate and believe in equality between the sexes.
Conservative Jews fall somewhere between Reform and Religious Jews as they do keep Shabbat and they do keep kosher, etc., but they observe the Torah from their own point of view.
Considered to be radicals within the Jewish community are the Neturei Karta who believe that God had promised to return the Jewish people to the Land of Israel only through the actions of the Jewish Messiah. Any activity on behalf of the Jews themselves to create or instigate this redemption is believed to hinder the coming of the messiah. Due to this, they are opposed to the occupation of Palestine and the Palestinians as well as to the existence of the state of Israel. However, many live in and visit Israel and view opposition to Zionism as an expression of love towards the Holy Land.
The grand majority of Jews, with exception to the Neturei Karta and some of the secular sect, tend to be Zionists.
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