As a people. Jews share many common beliefs. They read and follow the Old Testament, but not the New Testament. They celebrate High Holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and others such as Passover, Chanukah, and Sukkot.
However, in daily practice and in beliefs, there are many differences between Jewish people. There are four common types of followers of Judaism; Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and non-religious. Each group has specific interpretations of the Torah which affect their Jewish practices.
What is Modern Orthodox Judaism?
Modern Orthodox Jews are the most devout and strict of all four categories. Modern Orthodox Jews observe the Torah as closely as possible, while still allowing room for some modern interpretation.
For example, most Orthodox Jews pray daily and keep a very strict Kosher diet. They do not eat anything that has not been accepted as Kosher. Also rules of Kashrut prevent them from mixing meat and dairy together in the same meal. Orthodox Jews also do not do any work on the Sabbath, from Friday at sundown to Saturday at sundown. This includes driving, turning on lights, cooking, talking on the phone, or turning on the television. Since the Sabbath is spent mostly at synagogue, Orthodox Jews walk to shul (synagogue) on Friday night and walk back to their homes after the service, where they share a Sabbath dinner with family and friends.
Sabbath is viewed as a weekly time for prayer, reflection, and relaxation with family and friends. Since most Orthodox Jews need to live within walking distance of the shul, many live close together in tight knit neighborhoods. Orthodox men wear a kippa, a skull cap, everywhere they go, and often wear tzitit, a prayer shawl, that goes under a shirt.
Modern Orthodox Jewish women rarely wear pants, and dress quite modestly. However, modern Orthodox Jews do accept certain aspects of secular culture, and live as close to modern society as possible without breaking any of the tenets of Judaism. There is a sect of 'Ultra-Orthodox" Jews who protect themselves almost entirely from modern culture, but modern Orthodox Jews do what they can to relate to others while still following the strict guidelines of the Torah.
What is Conservative Judaism?
Many Conservative Jews keep Kosher, pray daily, and celebrate the Sabbath and all holidays mentioned in the Torah. However, Conservative Jews also allow for more acceptance of modern life than Modern Orthodox. For example, a Conservative Jew may attend shul each week to celebrate Shabbat, (the Sabbath) but may drive to and from the synagogue.
Since there are many interpretations of what it means to be a Jew, Rabbis in Conservative synagogues may lean more toward the Modern Orthodox way of life or the Reform movement in their leadership. Therefore, just like a Modern Orthodox shul, each Conservative shul has its own culture that connects its congregants.
What is Reform Judaism?
Reform Jews are the most liberal, practicing group of Jewish people. Many Reform Jews do not keep Kosher, do not attend weekly synagogue services, and some may only attend a few times a year during the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippor.
However, others do attend Shabbat services each Friday, and some celebrate Shabbat in their home with a special dinner with family. Some Reform Jews follow the rules of Kashrut, but with a modern interpretation. The Reform movement is based on the idea that personal interpretation is key, and that being a Jew is less dependent on following doctrine, but more on social and spiritual choices that follow the tenets of being a good Jewish person.
Non-Religious Jews
Some Jews may identify themselves as Jewish, but do not celebrate holidays, keep Kosher, or attend services. However, they still strongly identify with the Jewish culture.
This type of Jewish person may use Yiddish in daily language, love traditional Jewish foods, believe in Jewish ethics, and may even celebrate a Jewish holiday or too. Non-religious Jews identify with the culture of Judaism, but minimize the role of theology in religion.
Definitions of Judaism
Judaism is a complicated religion with many types of followers. Although there are basic beliefs that tie most Jews together, the way that a Jewish person connects with Judaism is a deeply personal choice.
Sources:
Rabbi Ted Falcon, Ph.D. and Blatner, Dave, Judaism for Dummies, Wiley Publishing, Inc., New York, 2001.
Sorosky, Marlene, Fast and Festive Meals for the Jewish Holidays, William Morrow and Company, Inc, New York, 1997.
Sarahlynne Davis - Sarahlynne has been a professional educator for 8 years and a freelance writer for two years. She holds an MEd in Language, Literacy and ...
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