The Empty Wagon: Zionism's journey from identity crisis to identity theft

by Yaakov Shapiro

Zionism. The untouchable topic. "Lack of knowledge has led to very confused ideas about religion, even among the chareidim." "Even talmidei chachamim, rabbonim, and tzaddikim are not imbued with the [proper] understanding." "Sadly, even in our own circles, the mold for shaping public opinion lies in the hands of the state of Israel." "Regardless of how much we talk about [Zionism] and people listen and understand, nevertheless, in their hearts, they still kiss the idol." "There are only a few groups left that do not follow after the Eigel ... But the rest of the chareidim travel on the train of Zionism ..." These are some of the sentiments expressed by gedolei Yisroel specifically regarding Zionist hashkafos and the Torah community, both now and in the past. For those who find these statements more than a little disquieting, for those who can accept that what many think are Torah hashkafos are actually their opposite - and want to know the truth ... The Empty Wagon will open that door.

Genres: History, Politics, Nonfiction, Jewish, Judaism, Religion

1393 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Emma Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating book containing a lot of information that, having been raised in the U.S. as a Catholic, I have never seen before. I would caution others that it is a strong polemic and so many people may disagree with it (or even be offended by it). I would also recommend on any heated topic like this to try and read as much as possible from every perspective. Nevertheless, I think if you are trying to wrap your head around the early days of Zionism, this book (and others arguing the other side) should be part of your reading list. For example, I have not yet had the time, but I have a couple of Benny Morris's books on my reading list to plow through to get a different perspective.

My biggest criticisms are:

1. Way too long. It's almost 1500 pages. There is a LOT of repetition that could be culled and there are a lot of sections that could easily have been moved to appendices thereby streamlining the arguments.

2. It contains a lot of Yiddish and Hebrew, which is fine, but some footnotes explaining terms the first time they are used would be really helpful. I had to do a LOT of Wikipedia searches in Part One. It took me almost 60 pages in Part One to figure out he was referring to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, for example, because he was using Avrahoam, Yitzchok, and Jaacob. It was obvious once I made the connection, but for quite a while I couldn't figure out who he was referring to. Examples like this abound throughout the text.

3. Another point related to #2 is that various individuals who may be very well known Rabbis in the Orthodox Community were not introduced properly for a more novice reader. Again, I had to look up individuals like the Brisker Rav and the Satmar Rav, as I had no idea who these individuals were.

In any event, it's a very different perspective on Zionism and well worth the read if you have the time to slog through it.

[Simcha Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

בס"ד
The Empty Wagon is a compelling masterpiece exposing the treachery of the Zionist Movement and its’ state, the state of “Israel”. The book is a scholarly work meticulously researched, containing countless quotes and 2833 footnotes siting sources for every idea presented. The author, Rabbi Yaakov Shapiro שליט"א, clearly a selfless lover and staunch advocate of the Jewish People, brilliantly delivers the information in a manner understandable and enjoyable for the scholar and layperson alike. My wife תחי' and I, study and discuss each fascinating page together and thoroughly relishing the truth and ‘breath of fresh air’ wafting from each page (my wife is reading the book for the second time).
Much criticism is leveled in the world with regards to the injustices the State of “Israel” has committed and continues to commit to the Palestinians, and rightfully so. However, after reading the (unanimous) opinions of the Torah Sages זצ"ל of the previous generations and learning of the evils the Zionist movement and its’ State perpetrated and continue to perpetrate on our People הי"ו, we now understand those most harmed, are the Jewish People. The author incontrovertibly demonstrates that the Zionist movement (enormously assisted by its’ state) was and remains NOTHING more than a massive social engineering project to transform the Torah Nation into a nation like all other nations. Tragically, one glance of the Jewish People today and compare it with the picture of the Jewish People before the project began (Sic 1850), reveals the “Zionist project” was almost entire successful. For this, and many other reasons brought to light in the Empty Wagon, it is now clear to us that the Zionist (a name synonymous with Reform) Movement and its’ State (fraudulently and deceptively named the State of “Israel”), is the greatest catastrophe and deepest shame that has ever come upon the Jewish People. Perhaps the saddest aspect is, for the most part, this brain washed victim (the Jewish People), actually supports and takes pride in its oppressor and the source of their global disgrace.
Much gratitude is felt to the author for lifting the darkness from before our blind eyes and redeeming us from a bondage of deceit. The author has performed a great act of loving kindness for the Jewish People at great personal sacrifice.
An urgent read for every Jew (and Gentile). Equally urgent, we must pass on its message to our People and the Nations of the World, the state of “Israel” has no affiliation with the People of Israel, rather, it is the antithesis to every value and belief held by the Torah Nation, and thereby restore the dignity of G-d, our Torah and our People so terribly besmirched by the Zionist [Reform] Movement and their State.

[Fergar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opener, very detailed. a true jew is not a zionist