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The Symbol-System of Zionist-Socialism: An Aspect of Israeli Civil Religion
Publication Date: January 1981
Publisher(s): Johns Hopkins University. Press
Author(s): Eliezer Don-Yehiya; Charles S. Liebman
Special Collection: Berman Jewish Policy Archive
Topic: Culture and religion (Religion and religious groups)
Culture and religion (Symbols, emblems, and awards)
Keywords: Israeli Jews; Identity formation; Academic research
Type: Report
Coverage: Israel
Abstract:
In: Modern Judaism 1/2, 121-148. The major symbols of Zionist-Socialism, its myths and ceremonies, were laden with traditional motifs and representations. These symbols which were borrowed, in toto, from outside the tradition, proved to be ephemeral. The traditional Jewish symbols underwent transformation and transvaluation to suit them to the values of Zionist-Socialism. But the retention of traditional forms, however new the content, serves to legitimate traditional symbols which may result in their continued vitality.