Israel and Jewish Identity

Rabbi Moshe Taragin, in his recently published book, “Reclaiming Redemption,” makes an interesting observation regarding Jewish identity and the State of Israel.

He pointed out the great transition that took place during the nineteenth century. This was caused as an aftermath to the “age of enlightenment,” and the “Industrial revolution.” Religion was viewed as the reason for many of the problems of the world. Religion was substituted with secularism and nationalism.

Judaism was affected deeply by these changes. For the first time in our history, it was no longer individuals who chose to abandon the religion, but entire communities who decided to making radical changes to our religion. This led to the formation of Reform and Conservative Judaism.

Until this time, the majority of Jews kept Shabbat and Kashrut.

The danger of assimilation was very great. Millions of Jews were slated for historical oblivion. They had distanced themselves from any form of Jewish identity.

Rabbi Taragin theorized that this was the reason why the State of Israel was primarily established by secular Jews. Their connection was based more on a historical identity of peoplehood and land, even in the absence of religious commitment. There are millions of Jews whose sole affiliation with Judaism is their love and commitment to Israel.

Even though the plague of assimilation and intermarriage has been devastating, it would have been much worse, had there not been a Jewish State.

We believe that the redemption comes in stages. The physical return will eventually be followed by a spiritual return. We are living in historic times. We need to open our eyes and marvel at the Hand of G-d, the facilitator of all that is unfolding.