A synagogue in Chicago is redefining Jewish values by explicitly opposing Zionism. According to NPR, Tzedek Chicago, founded by Rabbi Brant Rosen, has become a beacon for Jews seeking an alternative to mainstream support for Israel.

The congregation, which has nearly doubled in size since the start of the Gaza war, begins its Shabbat services with a prayer for Gaza’s people. “Let us remain steadfast in our solidarity with the people of Gaza who have resisted the relentless violence of genocide with bottomless wells of courage and resilience,” reads a congregant.

Rosen’s journey to anti-Zionism began after Israel’s 2008 incursion into Gaza, which he viewed as a war crime. This stance puts Tzedek Chicago at odds with the majority of American Jews. According to a 2021 Pew Research Center survey, 80% of American Jews consider caring about Israel an essential part of their Jewish identity.

The congregation’s anti-Zionist position has come at a cost. Members have faced ostracism from family and lost jobs in Jewish organizations. Rosen himself was removed from the Chicago Board of Rabbis.

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Despite these challenges, Tzedek Chicago has attracted a growing following, especially among younger Jews. Owen Howard, a 23-year-old graduate student, appreciates the space to question traditional narratives without fear of ostracism.

For Maya Schenwar, a long-time member, Tzedek offers a place to “live the Judaism that feels like who I want to be in the world.”

As the American Jewish community grapples with diverse perspectives on Israel, the question remains: Is there room for anti-Zionist voices within the broader Jewish dialogue?

Read more at NPR