Religious Zionism Evolves From Social Group to Value System
Rabbi Yair Kertman describes a significant transformation within Religious Zionism, shifting from a distinct social group to a core value system centered on the Jewish people, the Land of Israel, and the Torah of Israel. This evolution has also fostered a new leadership focused on implementing its vision.
Historically, "Religious Zionism" was identified by markers like wearing specific youth movement shirts or attending religious educational institutions, fostering a sense of belonging. Despite internal diversity, a shared spiritual component of national responsibility and connection to the state's institutions was prominent. The secular elite's dominance and Religious Zionism's secondary role within the broader Zionist movement did not hinder cooperation.
Several factors have driven the change from a social affiliation to a value set. The Yom Kippur War, the establishment of the Gush Emunim settlement movement, and the Oslo Accords and subsequent disengagements challenged the reliance on secular leadership. Cognitively, the understanding grew that Torah must be a central component of their values. Parts of Religious Zionism began to see themselves not as a supporting element but as a proactive, elite force.
As Israel matured from a state focused on survival to one contemplating its identity, the values of "Am Yisrael" (the people of Israel), "Eretz Yisrael" (the Land of Israel), and "Torat Yisrael" (the Torah of Israel) solidified as central to the nation's future. This shift from sociology to values created a new dynamic where the boundaries of the Religious Zionist sector no longer perfectly aligned with its value space. New adherents, without the traditional markers, identified with this value triangle, while some traditional adherents found the new value mix alien and moved to different cultural spheres.
The "people, land, Torah" value set significantly influenced the recent government's agenda and national progress, evident in areas like judicial reform, rabbinical courts, pursuing victory in war, hostage rescue, military strategy, mental health initiatives, economic achievements, Jewish identity funding, and strategic changes in Judea and Samaria. The ongoing war further amplified the need to merge these three values.
Ultimately, the value language of "people, land, Torah" has generated practical application, creating a new breed of vision implementers. The energy within this value triangle, coupled with a commitment to spiritual realization, has merged execution capability with divine assistance, and worldview with strategy. Figures like Smotrich, Strook, and Rotman have been instrumental in enacting strategic changes based on these values. While much work remains, particularly with the ongoing war and strengthening national identity, the value combination of people, land, and Torah has proven to be a vital asset for Israel's existence.
