Sects in Judaism
Contents
- Introduction
- Orthodox Judaism
- Conservative Judaism
- Reform Judaism
- Source
Introduction
The world of Judaism is made up of various denominations that share common foundations in the Hebrew Bible and other ancient texts but differ in their interpretation of scripture and understanding of religious authority. Jews have been divided into sects since the Middle Ages when rabbinical Judaism became further established as a formal religion. Each denomination has its own practices, traditions and beliefs which have been shaped by centuries of cultural influence. The three main branches of modern-day Judaism are Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.
Orthodox Judaism
Orthodox Judaism is one of the major sects of modern-day Judaism. It is a traditional form of Judaism that adheres strictly to halakha, or Jewish law as outlined in the Torah and Talmud. This adherence to traditional law and practice has caused Orthodox Jews to remain isolated from other religious sects and even from within their own religion.
Orthodoxy is divided into several subgroups based on regional differences: Ashkenazic, Sephardic, Mizrahi and Yemenite Jews all have distinct interpretations of Jewish laws. While there are some fundamental disagreements between these different groups, most Orthodox Jews share common beliefs such as belief in God, obedience to the commandments in the Torah, daily prayer rituals and observance of Shabbat and holidays.
Conservative Judaism
Conservative Judaism is a movement that developed in the mid-19th century, in which traditional Jewish beliefs and practices are maintained but modernized in order to accommodate the changing times. This movement was created as an alternative for those who were not satisfied with either Reform or Orthodox Judaism. It emphasizes maintaining Jewish law and tradition while allowing some changes in practice to fit within contemporary life.
This expression of Judaism places a strong emphasis on education and community, as it strives to stay true to its core values while also adapting to the shifting cultural landscape. Conservative Jews believe that Jewish law should be followed, though they do allow for certain leniencies due to varying social contexts. They also support Zionism, believing that the State of Israel should be a safe haven for Jews around the world.
Reform Judaism
Reform Judaism is a modern sect of the Jewish faith which emerged in Germany during the 19th century. At the time, there was a desire to reform traditional practises and beliefs to reflect values of Enlightenment ideals such as individual autonomy and education. This movement has since spread throughout the world, becoming one of the largest branches of Judaism with adherents in North America, Israel and other countries around the world.
Reform Judaism is distinguished by its dedication to developing an ongoing interpretation of Jewish law based on reason, rather than relying solely upon ancient texts. It also seeks to re-interpret beliefs into terms which are meaningful for current society while still adhering to Jewish tradition. Reform Jews place particular emphasis on social justice issues, charity work and interfaith dialogue as part of their religious practice.
Source
Children of Abraham by Reuven Firestone