THE CULTURAL ORIGINS OF ZIONISM

This chapter examines the origins of the Zionist Movement from a cultural approach in the study of Jewish nationalism. To demonstrate the decisive significance of premodern Jewish culture in the development of Zionism, three dimensions are noted. Firstly, the development of a national consciousness regarding the Jewish past, at the inception of the Zionist Movement in the late nineteenth century. Secondly, an examination of the influence of Jewish culture on Zionist organizations and politics with regard to two conflicts that shook the movement at its very beginning. Lastly, an exploration of the influence of the Hebrew Bible on the formation of the “New Jew” in Palestine during the period of the Yishuv. As this chapter shows, to fully describe the scope of the Zionist Movement, an in-depth examination of the cultural origins of Zionism must be included.