Orthodox Judaism and the politics of religion

"In this book, Daniel Mahla examines how nationalizing processes in East and Central Europe and Palestine reshaped observant Jewry into two distinct socio-cultural milieus, ultra-Orthodoxy and national-religious Judaism. Analyzing the intra-religious struggles that lead to the emergence of these two societies, which came to fruition soon after the creation of the State of Israel, he investigates the dynamics between them, one staunchly opposed and one highly supportive of Zionism. Mahla shows how religio-political entrepreneurs translated religious norms and values into collective action in order to mobilize traditionalist Jewry, thereby delineating and advancing socio-cultural divisions, and eventually fashioning two distinct Orthodoxies. His book contributes to our understanding of how Judaism transitioned into the modern age"-- Provided by publisher.