course materials

1. Zionism is a secular nationalist movement to create a Jewish nation-state
in Pal
Zionism is a secular nationalist movement to create a Jewish nation-state in Palestine.
Although it often uses traditionalist language, Zionism is a modern movement. Analyze
Theodor Herzl’s article “A Solution to Jewish Question” and an early critique of Zionism by
the Hasidic Rabbi Zadok Hacohen Rabinowitz.Address the following questions:How does
Herzl understand the nature of modern anti-Semitism? What is his solution? How does he
justify the creation of a Jewish state?What kind of Jewish state does Herzl envision?What is
Rabbi Zadok’s critique of Zionism? Why does he reject the Zionist program to rebuild a
Jewish state in Palestine? Be specific.Why do we call Zionism a modern secular nationalist
movement? How does it differ from the traditional Jewish doctrine about the ingathering of
the exiles?Use information learned from the textbook and this week’s readings in your
discussion.A well-written paper will have a concise introduction to the general topic of the
paper, a clear thesis statement, and a carefully developed argument with specific examples
supporting the thesis statement.Your paper should be written according to the following
guidelines.Your paper should be no longer than three pages (typed, double-spaced) and
should concisely, clearly express the results of careful thought and prior publishs. In the
paper you turn in, don’t waste space with filler material.Avoid generalities not supported
with specific analysis and evidence. Anchor your paper in careful analysis of the
documents, not in broad generalities about Zionism. You should cite specific passages from
the documents to support your argument.Do not, however, include long quotations of
passages. You are writing for an audience that has read these texts. Instead, quote only
what is absolutely necessary for your analysis.Make every paragraph, sentence, and word
count. In three pages you don’t have space to waste.The first paragraph of your paper
should include a succinct statement of what you are going to argue to answer the questions
posed by this assignment.The following paragraphs should develop your argument to
support the thesis that you have stated in your opening paragraph.Your final paragraph
should build on your argument to lead the reader into some implications of your thesis and
argument for understanding the nature of the debate about Zionism. Again, your argument
must be supported by specific evidence from the documents.You are trying to persuade the
reader to agree with your thesis statement.This assignment is not a research paper, but you
should (as appropriate for your argument) interact with the readings and class discussions
for the course.RESOURCES:Efron, pp. 313-333 (345-365, in the second edition)Theodor

2. Herzl’s A Solution of the Jewish Question 533-538 (Rabbi Zadok Hacohen Rabinowitz’s The
Zionists are not our Saviors in Mendes-Flohr and Reinharz, The Jew in the Modern World,
544-545