Make Room for Dreams: Spiritual Challenges to Zionism

(Hardback)

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Make Room for Dreams examines Zionism from both a philosophical and practical point of view. This in-depth study reviews and evaluates the notion that Zionism has become a way of enlisting political or economic support for Israel and is no longer seen as a movement that should seek ways to realize humane or spiritual goals. The discussion focuses on the concept of Zionism as the return of the Jewish people to the land of Israel, a return that must be accompanied by a changing of certain basic attitudes concerning the Jews' mode of being-in-the-world. The manner of blending existentialism with political thought is seen in relation to the Biblical experience, and it is shown that Zionist challenges must draw their sustenance from the ability to read the Bible with existential and political awareness. It presents five specific challenges for Zionism in Israel, citing concrete examples from life in Israel, and some examples from the history of Zionism. The current situation is also described, and precise determinations for responding to the challenges are woven into each chapter. Also included is a thought-provoking summary of the manner in which a more authentic Jewish existence can be lived in Israel. This scholarly work is the first to deal with the complex issues behind the Zionist movement in present-day Israel, and will provide a valuable resource for philosophers, political scientists, and students in Jewish studies.

Reviews

"The book is a direct and courageous challenge to Gordon's compatriots to work for a political and social vision in keeping with Israel's highest ideals. Because of its honesty and courage, it speaks as directly to every serious reader with its challenge to think--to think in freedom and responsibility, and out of that free and responsible thinking to live and act for our common humanity. It is an important book, and I hope it receives a wide readership."-Douglas Sloan Professor of History and Education Columbia University
. . . A Hebrew edition of this book should be published so that Israelis can enter into dialogue with each other first, then with American Jews. Make Room for Dreams: Spiritual Challenges to Zionism deserves to be read and thought through by all those who care deeply about Israel's existence, especially by those who are convinced, as the author is, that the real battles taking place in Israel today are battles for her very soul.-Judaica Book News
." . . A Hebrew edition of this book should be published so that Israelis can enter into dialogue with each other first, then with American Jews. Make Room for Dreams: Spiritual Challenges to Zionism deserves to be read and thought through by all those who care deeply about Israel's existence, especially by those who are convinced, as the author is, that the real battles taking place in Israel today are battles for her very soul."-Judaica Book News

Author Bio

HAIM GORDON is Senior Lecturer, Department of Education, Ben Gurion University, Israel. He is the author of numerous books, scholarly papers, and book reviews, and has contributed articles to Religious Education, the Journal of Jewish Studies, and Educational Theory.