Zionism and Judaism. Zionist appropriation of central Jewish convictions (the messianic element, the notion of the ‘chosen people’) to a political program. Secularists vs. religious activists in the Zionist movement. The rise of the Hamizrahi and Agodat Israel movements. The Status Quo declaration in 1947 and its impact after 1948. Contested state/religion issues: the Jewish state; the constitution; the Sabbath; Kosher food; personal status law; conversion to Judaism; military service; education; the legal question of “who’s a Jew”). The role of religious parties in various Israeli governments; the radicalization of religious parities. The status of Islam and Christianity in Israel. Religious law and its status. State and religion in Israel in comparative perspective.
