compare and contrast between Kaplan and Herzel (Research Paper Sample)

Compare and contrast between Herzel and Kaplan Rena Goodman Institution Born in Lithuania on June 11th 1881, Mordecai Kaplan went on to become one of the founders of Reconstruction Judaism with Ira Eisenstein, his son in law. In addition, Kaplan was a Jewish educator, rabbi as well as an essayist. After moving to the United States of America, he became disillusioned with mainstream Judaism and focused more on non-conventional approaches to Judaism (Batnitzsky, 2011). This was due the influence of advancements in science and technology. Kaplan’s views on Judaism changed. In his perspective, the incorporation of culture, ethics, art, languages, and social organization influenced Judaism. Moreover, his vision for an ideal synagogue was one that offered religious services but also dances, songs, and study programs, as well. According to Kaplan, Reconstructive Judaism refers to a modern approach in which respect for traditional Judaism should be maintained while at the same time incorporating contemporary aspects of spirituality, intellectuality and social way of life. Kaplan launched his book, Judaism as a Civilization: Toward a Reconstruction of American Jewish Life after launching his movement in the 1920s (Batnitzsky, 2011).  Theodor Herzl was born on 2nd May 1860 in Austria-Hungary. A Journalist by profession, Herzl is accredited to being the pioneer for the Zionist movement as well as advocating for the creation of Israel as a state (Cohen, 2010). He authored a pamphlet in 1896 known as The Jewish State, which outlined his ideologies. Herzl saw the creation of a Jewish state as a political decision to be determined by an international council of nations. His diplomacy skills, propagandist nature and indefatigable character led to the formation of the World Zionist Organization. In his vision, Herzl outlined that through the use of western Technologies and ideas, a creation of a secular state of the cosmopolitan nature free from anti-Semitism was possible. This was after he experienced anti-Semitism while studying in Vienna as well as a journalist in Paris (Cohen, 2010). Kaplan and Herzl both advocated for different ideologies that affected Jews. Their ideologies exhibit some similarities and differences to some degree of nature. One common similarity between Herzl and Kaplan is that they were founders of movements and ideologies that had international influences long after their deaths. Herzl was the founder of the Zionist movement whereas Kaplan was the founder of Reconstructive Judaism. It is also important to note that both Kaplan’s and Herzl ideologies were community oriented proposals. According to Kaplan, there was a need for the Jews to share a common sense of community, ahead of religious beliefs. This was well highlighted in his ideologies (Scult, 2013). He advocated that once a person became accepted to the Jewish community, that person would be entitled to communal benefits until his or her death. Likewise, Herzl believed that there was a need for Jews to converge as a community and a nation independent from others. As a result, he organized the first Zionist congress in Basel to champion his ideologies of community and nationhood to of Jews from all over the world. It is important to note that the two aimed at strengthening ties between Jews on a level that they could identify each other with (Cohen, 2010) In reconstructive Judaism, Kaplan incorporates ideals based on the American model of democracy and equality. In America, Religion was not a barrier to both economical and political participation. Therefore, Kaplan saw the need for reform in their traditional hierarchical channels so that they could play a role in society. However, it is imperative to note that this sharply contrasts with Herzl views on the Jewish people. Unlike Kaplan, who believed that Jews should incorporate other cultures, Herzl promoted the need for Jews to be completely isolated from an environment that was anti-Semitic. Despite assimilation of Jews to several societies, Herzl believed that it could not be eradicated, hence the need for Jews to protect themselves (Cohen, 2010). Herzl’s Zionism was considered a political movement. On the other hand, Kaplan’s Reconstructive Judaism focused on the spiritual aspects of the Jewish community. Herzl move to champion for the creation of the nation was Israel was a political move that was dependent on an international council of nations (Panko, 2010) .Herzl met with the sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Sultan Abdulhamid the 2nd in 1901. However, he failed his mission to be granted Palestine as the land on which Jews could resettle on. After his election as the first president of the Zionist Congress hel...