Cultur and the Jewish Boys Brigade.
HE “cultur” movement in Zion- growth of Jewish nationalism. ism is the internal evidence of the "It means the progressive development of Jewish citizenship and may be likened to the manoeuvres of an army before action. The forces are preparing for future work; they are strengthening the fibres ‚of their muscles in order that future gen- 'erations may be in a better position to form the nation.
For some time it has been apparent to Zionists that the external policy of diplomatic negotiations could not furnish the necessary stimulation for the continued enthusiasm of Zionist groups. It is now being felt that the mere organization of the Jewish people, though based on Jewish consciousness, is not sufficient. Annual Zionist congresses are ineffective to keep the Zionist forces in alignment with the ultimate goal of the movement. The attention of Zionists, focussed to the dramatic possibilities of the Congresses, lags after the Congresses adjourn; societies lose their enthusiasm, membership dwindles and unless some kind of internal activity is developed, the Zionists societies and their national centers will become a mere paper organization, not unlike other Jewish organizations whose boasts are verified only in their annual reports.
The "cultur" movement has come to fill the need. Aside from its philosophical tendencies, the inclination of its leaders to minimize the diplomatic enterprises of the Actions Comite, it has provided the movement with ideas which will, if properly taken up, give a basis to propaganda and lead to the irresistible organization of our internal forces. We are be-
ginning to see that mere argument as to the fertility of Palestine, as to the willingness of the Sultan of Turkey to grant a charter, will not affect that large body of Jewish indifferents who meet our appeals with the smug query of the practical business man. For, whatever many of us may say, Zionism must resort to the subtler appeal to the emotions of the Jewish people. There are untold possibilities in the term "Jewish consciousness." Ultimately, on a rationalistic basis, we come to be either Zionists or anti-Zionists, as our personal inclinations master us. But when you speak of Jewish consciousness you are invoking a force which will storm every citadel. We are beginning to see that the awakening of Jewish consciousness is a practical work and needs no argument. It requires active endeavor and serious forethought, without which our movement will land impotent on a sterile shore.
The "cultur" movement started in Germany among university men, who aside from their nationalistic feeling, were seeking an outlet in social service for the store of energy which their universities gave them. Being university men their first step was in the direction of literary or esthetic or philosophical regeneration. They insisted on the development of the Hebrew language as a first step to Jewish nationalism; they fostered an interest in Hebrew literature, and in due time they were joined by the large body of Russian students, and Russian thinkers who were in agreement with them. They turned to Jewish history for evidences of merit in the Jewish people, or, if not merit, then historical continuity. Soon