Reform Judaism vs Zionism

In the late 1800s, rising antisemitism had people concerned that Judaism would disappear entirely. Two very different solutions arose in an attempt to solve this crisis:  Reform Judaism and Zionism. Reform Judaism aimed to emphasize more universal Jewish values rather than rituals in an attempt to better integrate with non-Jews. Zionism focused on the desire for Jews to reenter the world stage as their own people in a Jewish state. 

Eventually, after the horrors of the Holocaust, the Reform movement recognized the need for Zionism and moved to support it. Today, Jews both in and out of Israel have different and often polar opposite views about how to be Jewish, yet they remain part of the same peoplehood focused on Jewish continuity.

This video was co-produced by Z3 project and OpenDor Media.

Big Ideas

1. There have been various strategies within the Jewish community on how to solve the Jewish problem (ending antisemitism).
2. Jewish life has developed differently in Israel and outside of it.
3. The Reform movement initially opposed Zionism but changed its view as circumstances changed.

Essential Questions

1. What have been the various internal Jewish solutions to antisemitism?
2. Should Jews assimilate more into their home countries or live in their own country?
3. Why have some movements accepted Zionism while others opposed it?

video Transcript