Until recently most Jewish congregations viewed a commitment to Zionism as an essential aspect of “authentic Judaism.” To be clear, I am using “Zionism” in its most abstract sense, to mean simply that the Jewish people are entitled to a state in their ancestral homeland, not tied to any particular borders, governance, economic structures, etc. However, things seems to have changed dramatically after the unspeakable atrocities of 10/7/23 and Israel’s response. Now, there are many Jews who call for Palestine to be free “from the river to the sea” and shout out other shibboleths that are inconsistent with Zionism.
After researching this question in some depth I firmly believe that the (secular) case for the justice of Zionism is supported by overwhelmingly historical evidence; but I’m not going to review all that here. Rather, I’m going to suggest that if one accepts this premise it will be extremely difficult, following 10/7, for Zionist and non-Zionist Jews to worship together. This follows from the way that the vision of a homeland for the Jewish people in Eretz Israel is wound into Judaism’s DNA.
When God first appears to Abraham, he commands his prophet to “go forth” and when he enters Canaan, God promises his servant, “I will assign this land to your offspring.” (Gen 12:1). After Abraham splits with his cousin Lot, the Almighty renews his promise: “Up, walk about the land [Canaan], through its length and its breadth, for I give it to you.” (Gen 13:17)
The Pentateuch ends with the Jewish people poised to conquer the promised land, which is actually accomplished as described in the following book of Joshua. I believe most Jews regard the Torah, including its Zionist vision, as a central part of their faith.They will not be comfortable sitting with keffiyeh-wearing Jews and those not utterly appalled by the unspeakable massacre of 10/7. Of course, many Jews will feel differently.
However, I see little prospect that anti-Zionist congregations will thrive. This souless version of Judaism offers nothing that can’t be had for free at an anti-Israel demonstration or a Democratic Socialist political convention. No need to pay a rabbi’s or cantor’s salary, build and maintain a synagogue, and so on. I believe we will soon find out.