The Rabbis & The Zionists Part II: Proto-Zionism, Chovevei Tzion & The Initial Opposition

Modern day resettlement of the Land of Israel begins with group aliyah's of both the students of the Baal Shem Tov and later the students of the Vilna Goan. Together they would form the core of what would comet to be known as the Old Yishuv. With the rise of nationalism in nineteenth century Europe, the first stirrings of national yearnings begin to rise among the Jewish People. Initially spreading as an idea, it quickly shifts towards an activist stage and becomes a movement known as the Chovevei Tzion. The movement enjoys differing levels of Rabbinic support as it moves ahead with it's program. The first modern colonies are settled and agriculture begins to develop. Funding begins to arrive from Baron Edmond de Rothschild. At the same time, opposition to the new Jewish Nationalism begins to mount and gain support. Citing both theological sources as well as practical consideration, luminaries such as Rabbi SR Hirsch and later the Rashab of Chabad form the basis of the initial opposition to the new nationalism.

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