HIST 219 Chapter Notes - Chapter 03-15: Leon Pinsker, Cultural Zionism, Yiddishist Movement
Document Summary
Responses gained momentum in the late 1800s/early 1900s. Jewish socialists largely came from middle class backgrounds. Tho socialist movements had no sympathy for jews. Founded 1879, represented jewish workers in the pale of settlement. Was actually in many ways a nationalist organization. Addressed cultural issues related to needs of jewish worker. National-cultural autonomy as part of socialist revolution. Split btwn associating w russian social democrats vs bolsheviks. Diaspora nationalism and the promotion of the yiddish identity, including secular culture. Included many ideas of yiddishism, implemented by the bund. Messianic redemption and return to the holy land. Promoted hebrew, but was secular, revolted against tradition. Originally promoted mass-conversion, but eventually abandoned that idea. Wanted a jewish cultural renaissance, to protect spiritual welfare. Both a theorist and critic of zionism. Question of uganda as a suitable settling point (temporarily or permanently) for jews. While zionist debates were going on, jews continued moving to palestine in 2nd aliyah.
