THE PRIMACY OF THE DIASPORA
World Union of Progressive Judaism moved to Israel . Reform Judaism remains Diaspora centered, however, as do Conservative Judaism and major portions of Orthodox Judaism . Those who belong to these three groups remain in the Diaspora and intend to continue their lives there.
Reform Judaism put into words what had been practiced by Jews for a long time. The Reform movement gave a religious voice to what the Jewish people had done and were continuing to do: to love Israel , but, for the vast majority, not as a home.
Secular Zionism from its earliest days has tied itself to the Bible and its ancient promises but never dealt with the halakhic implications that were of no interest to it. For this reason there was much rabbinic opposition to early Zionism ; the Orthodox community felt that the Messianic era could not be forced. Support for
Zionism came only slowly from these circles as the responsa and other literature indicated, and some opposition continues to this day.” The very fact that it was possible for an early Zionist Congress to debate whether resettlement should take place in the Land of Israel or in Kenya indicated the fragility of the tie to the Land. The desire for a land, a place of refuge and self-government, was almost stronger than bonds to the ancient Land of Israel. Ultimately, of course, the decision was for Israel .
CONCLUSION
The Jewish communities of the Diaspora and of Israel are now contending for primacy. Every Israeli political figure has made the demand for aliyah, which continues to be resisted by most Diaspora communities. Parallel to these nationalistic and political
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