Jewish Communism: Myths and Realities

Is there such a thing as Jewish communism? This question often arises in discussions about the communal nature of Jewish life and its historical involvement with socialist and communist movements. In this article, we will explore the extent to which Jews have embraced communal living and the history of Jewish involvement with these ideologies, particularly focusing on the kibbutz and the broader historical context.

The Kibbutz: A Unique Form of Communism

The kibbutz is perhaps the world's most notable example of a collectivist society, and it provides an interesting model for understanding Jewish communism. A kibbutz is a communal farm or village where members share resources and responsibilities equally. While the kibbutz is not strictly defined by Jewish religious principles, many kibbutzim were established by Jews with strong communal values.

Communal Practices in Jewish Life

Communal practices are deeply ingrained in Jewish life. For example, the need for at least 10 men (a minyan) to conduct certain prayers and rituals like the Kaddish, Kedusha, and the repetition of the Amida and Barchu requires collective participation. Similarly, Orthodox Jews rely heavily on their rabbis for guidance on how to live according to Halacha, or Jewish law, which is a communal experience as well.

In addition, Jews tend to live together more than any other ethnic group, a fact that is partially explained by the need for Orthodox Jews to be within walking distance of a synagogue on Shabbat and holidays. This historical practice of living in segregated spaces, such as ghettos, further reinforces the community-driven nature of Jewish life.

Historical Involvement with Communism

Jews have had a significant historical involvement with the leftist and communist movements, contrary to the notion that Jewish communal practices are incompatible with communist ideals. Historically, Jews have played prominent roles in these movements, often due to the social and economic conditions they faced.

Karl Marx, the father of communism, was one of the key figures in formulating the concept. His ideas emerged in the mid-19th century and resonated with many Jews, especially in the early and mid-20th century. In countries such as the United States and Canada, Jews were a major part of the Communist and Socialist movements. However, it was not until around 1950, with the onset of Stalin's brutal purges, that many Jews left these movements due to ideological and personal safety concerns.

The Bundist Movement

A significant example of Jewish involvement in the communist movement is the Bund (General Jewish Workers' Union of Lithuania, Poland, and Russia). This secular Jewish movement emphasized Yiddish culture and advocated for workers' rights, making it a crucial force in Eastern European politics. Despite this involvement, many early 20th-century left-leaning Jews continued to grapple with the tension between their Jewish identity and their socialist or communist beliefs.

Challenges and Hierarchies in Jewish Communal Life

While Jewish communities place a strong emphasis on communal support and mutual aid, this does not mean that they adhere to communist principles. Jewish communal life is often hierarchical, with a clear structure of authority and respect. In synagogues and other communal settings, roles like that of the rabbi, rabbi's wife, and other religious leaders (such as sages and cohanim) are highly respected and command authority and respect.

Moreover, within Jewish communities, there is a professional structure that includes doctors, engineers, and other professionals who are respected for their expertise. This hierarchy is a far cry from the egalitarian principles of communism.

Conclusion

While Jewish communities and Jewish history have often been linked with communal practices and leftist ideologies, it is important to understand that Jewish communal life is more complex than a simple adherence to communist principles. The kibbutz is an excellent example of communal living, but it is not the only model, and Jewish institutions and values often incorporate hierarchical structures and traditional roles.

The historical involvement of Jews in communist movements should be viewed in the context of broader social and economic forces rather than as a direct reflection of a Jewish communal ideal. As such, it is crucial to differentiate between the communal practices that define Jewish life and the principles of communism, which reject communal structures and traditional hierarchies.