State of Israel
The creation of the State of Israel in 1948 is often seen as secular Judaism’s greatest achievement, with Hebrew as a spoken language rather than a language of prayer, and the majority of the population living secular Jewish lives. Some 2000 secular Israeli schools exist, where children study Jewish history and literature and celebrate the holidays without prayer or religion.
Institutes for higher education in Israel have not lagged behind. Oranim College and Meitar College for Judaism as Culture are some of the colleges established to further the study of secular Jewish culture.
Read more about this topic: Jewish Secularism
Famous quotes containing the words state of, state and/or israel:
“In the Corner Store, near the village center, hangs a large sign reading: ‘After 40 years of credit business, we have closed our book of Sorrow.’”
—For the State of Maine, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)
“A state ... arises, as I conceive, out of the needs of mankind; no one is self-sufficing, but all of us have many wants.”
—Plato (c. 427–347 B.C.)
“Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face.”
—Bible: Hebrew, Deuteronomy 34:10.