Looking Eastward to Zion
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Conservative Judaism's longstanding support for Zionism has failed to translate into robust institutional action, despite the movement's unique potential to shape Israeli society through a distinctly religious vision. While maintaining consistent ideological backing unlike Orthodox and Reform movements' shifting stances, Conservative Judaism has neither developed strong youth aliyah programs nor provided systematic support for its Israeli Masorti counterpart. Through analysis of historical texts from early Conservative leaders Solomon Schechter and Israel Friedlaender, alongside evaluation of contemporary movement practices, this research reveals the gap between Zionist rhetoric and meaningful engagement. The investigation compares Conservative approaches with Orthodox and Reform positions, examining how Conservative Zionism must evolve beyond financial and political support to embrace a religious vision grounded in halakhic adherence, interpretive flexibility, and modern scholarship. Conservative Judaism's distinctive contribution lies in advancing an ideal Jewish commonwealth that embodies prophetic values of justice and righteousness. Enhanced educational initiatives, mandatory Israel experiences for religious leadership, and stronger diaspora-Israel congregational partnerships emerge as crucial steps toward transforming Zionist ideology into substantive action, enabling the movement to fulfill its potential in shaping Israeli society according to traditional Jewish moral imperatives.

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Published 2004
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Reuven Hammer