Is Judaism by large a Israel centric religion?
replied to: bonnieginter
Replied to: Is Judaism by large a Israel centric religion?
Judaism is referred to the covenant between God and the People of Israel
replied to: gwynraven
Replied to: Judaism is referred to the covenant between God and the People...
But people all over the world follow it
replied to: edimonk
Replied to: But people all over the world follow it
It depends on how you define "Israel".
B'nei Israel. Jews are called the Children of Israel, after Jacob, who was renamed Israel after wrestling with the Angel. Israel means to struggle.
Eretz Israel. The Land of Israel. Most Jews feel a strong connection in their heart and soul to the land of Israel. It is the Jewish homeland.
Medinat Israel. The modern State of Israel. The politics of Israel are the affair of the State of Israel. Most Jews form their own views on the affairs of the State, but this has nothing to do with the practice of Judaism as a religion. And not all Jews support the decisions of the K'nesset - the Israeli House of Representatives.