Judaism 3.0

Judaism 3.0 is a recognition that the organizing principle of Judaism has shifted from its religious element (Rabbinic Judaism) to its national element (Zionism). This shift is occurring without any compromise to the religious aspect of Judaism, and indeed only strengthens it. As this book shows, Zionism is increasingly becoming the relevant conduit through which Jews relate to their Judaism and the prism by which the outside world perceives the Jews. This is both through positive and increasingly through negative connections; whether by one's action or passively through affiliation. Indeed, Zionism is where a Jew meets his Judaism. It is the aspect of Judaism that evokes passions and emotions - for Jews and non-Jews alike.

Gol Kalev, the author, examines the relationship between Jews living in Israel and those who live outside of Israel. He explains how a welcoming hand can be extended to families where one spouse is not Jewish, through Zionism. He examines the role of Jews in all the movements, and how Zionism, through Judaism 3.0, can unify, rather than distance Jews from each other.

The seeds for Judaism 3.0 were planted in the late 19th century by Theodor Herzl, the father of political Zionism.  This book ties Herzl's original vision to today's Judaism and shows that just as he predicted, Zionism has turned into the vehicle for the return of Jews to Judaism.

The ideas in this book have been in the works for over a decade, and perhaps for much longer. The author has developed his position through articles in The Jerusalem Post, position papers he wrote in the America-Israel Friendship League Think Tank, as well as through interactions and conversations with colleagues of all strides in Israel, America, Europe and around the world - through life in Judaism 3.0. This book is not academic research, but intertwined observations that deliver the state of Judaism.