Introduction to Judaism

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Contemporary Judaism

Over the past few centuries, contemporary Judaism has developed several major movements or divisions. These divisions are based on differences in practice, not differences in belief. Most Jews fall under one of three main groups: Orthodox, Conservative, or Reformed Jews.

Orthodox Judaism:

The Orthodox hold most dearly to the old ways, abiding by all the laws of Torah.

Reform Judaism:

Reform Judaism had its origins in 19th century Germany, with the European Enlightenment. Their changes (reforms) were intended to allow them to better assimilate into the larger society, to drop much of what set them apart from the surrounding Christian culture. Although they never adopted Christian beliefs, much of contemporary Reform Jewish practice was modeled after Protestant Christian practice. Yet Reform Jews also hold to their ancient Jewish heritage by continuing to observe and celebrate the same Jewish holidays as the Orthodox do - the Reformers simply do so in more liberal and creative ways.

Conservative Judaism:

The Conservative Jews are "middle-of-the-road" - somewhere between Orthodox and Reform in their practice. Conservative Judaism was a response to the early reformers. The conservatives wanted to conserve some of the old ways while still adjusting somewhat to modern life.

Hasidic Judaism:

Amongst the Orthodox Jews there is "modern" Orthodoxy and the old-world Hasidic or "Ultra" Orthodox (who stand out for their distinctive old-world style of dress and continued use of the Yiddish language).

Reconstructionalist Judaism:

A new form of humanistic or secular Judaism developed out of American Conservative Judaism in the mid-20th century: Reconstructionalism (still relatively small in population).

Secular Judaism:

The bulk of American Jews today, however, tend to be "un-churched" - secular Jews. While they may still identify themselves as Jews, they tend not to take their religion to heart. Between secular Jews and Interfaith marriage (close to 50% of Jews today marry non-Jews and, more often than not, do not bring up their children as Jews), the future of Judaism is threatened. The feeling amongst many, more traditional Jews, is that too much assimilation is a bad thing. To blend into a larger culture so much is to ultimately water down your own cultural identity as a Jew - to forget what it means to be "a holy people," set apart from others.

  

 

Match the items. a b c d e f 1. Traditional Judaism, going back to Rabbinic times     a. Conservative a b c d e f 2. The "ultra-Orthodox" who wear old world dress and still speak Yiddish     b. Orthodox a b c d e f 3. Originated in 19th century Germany, seeking to assimilate into the larger society by making liberal changes to the religious practice of Judaism     c. Reform a b c d e f 4. Developed in mid-20th century America as a more humanistic form of Judaism     d. Secular a b c d e f 5. A "middle-of-the-road" approach to adjusting traditional Judaism to fit into a modern society     e. Hasidic a b c d e f 6. non-practicing Jews     f. Reconstructionalism

  

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