What is Zion or Zionism in the Jewish faith or as it pertains to Judaism?

Question

this is primarily for those involved in the Jewish faith or for anyone to answer. I would like to know if Zion/ Zionism is something purely spiritual/ ritual, physical in locality or person, how it will come about, how it will affect those not of the Jewish faith etc...
My intent in asking is not anti-semitic but purely to seek to understand those of the Jewish faith and their beliefs. I will report if your answers are of an anti-semitic/hateful nature.
thank you.

Answer 1

Zionism is a political movement started in the 19th century in response to anti-semitism. Many secular Jews advocated a Jewish state because Jews had always been a minority and were not accepted as citizens in Christian nations. Religious Jews were opposed to Zionism and returning to Israel (other countries were proposed and rejected prior to Palestine). They believed that exile was God's punishment and that they could only return to Israel when God determined the time was right.

Zionism is a secular movement, but religious Jews also returned to Israel. In fact, there are a very small number of Orthodox Jews who still deny the existence of the state of Israel.
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Answer 2

Zion in the Bible refers to Mt. Zion in Jerusalem or the City of Jerusalem in general which is the center of the Jewish faith.

Zionism is a political concept developed in the 1890's by secular Jews who wanted a national Jewish homeland in order for Jews to avoid the Anti-semitism in Europe (it clearly backfired).

While Judaism holds key the idea of Jerusalem and Israel in general as the home of the Jewish people. The political concept is separate and should be recognized as such.


Though in modern days Zionism has become part of Jewish identity. It is still different from the modern state of Israel. Religious Zionists will tell you that the current state of Israel is a steping stone to the Messianic nation of Israel which is part of Judaism.

Answer 3

Zion is a term that usually refers to Israel and/or Jerusalem.

The term is at least 3000 years old.

It originally referred to a specific mountain near Jerusalem (Mount Zion), where there was Jebusite fortress, named Zion, that was conquered by David.

Zionism is a political movement that supports a homeland for the Jewish people in the Land of Israel.

Zionism is an international movement that was originally for the establishment of a Jewish community in Palestine and later for the support of modern state of Israel.

Answer 4

Zion is another name for Jerusalem.
Zionism is a political and social movement which calls for the Jews to return to their ancient homeland, Israel.
Not all Zionists are Jews; some are Christians.
These websites will give you more info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Zionism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zionism
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Zionism/zionism.html

Answer 5

zion = term used for israel in the bible
zionism = a concept and movement found amongst jews and non-jews that jews should be in the holy land.
judaism = a religion which believes the jews *ideal* home is the holy land.

Not all religious jews are zionists, but all recognize that *ideally* we should be in the holy land. when the messiah arrives, we certainly will.