Ahad Ha'am, after joining the central committee of Hibbat Zion, publishes his first essay, Lo ze ha-derekh ("This is not the Way"), which emphasizes the spiritual basis of Zionism.

His views on Zionism are rooted in the changing nature of Jewish communal life in Eastern Europe.

Ahad Ha'am realizes that a new meaning to Jewish life will have to be found for the younger generation of East European Jews who are revolting against traditional Jewish practice.

Whereas Jews in the West can participate in and benefit from a secular culture, Jews in the East are oppressed.

While Herzl will later focus on the plight of Jews alone, Ahad Ha'am is also interested in the plight of Judaism, which can no longer be contained within the limits of traditional religion.