Identity and diversity of traditions in Judaism
Orthodox Judasim
The term 鈥榦谤迟丑辞诲辞虫测鈥 refers to the belief within Judaism that the Jewish people escaped slavery in Egypt, received the The books of the Law. The first five books of the Bible, often called the Books of Moses. from God at Mount Sinai, and that the Torah is something that all Jews are obliged to live by.
鈥極rthodox鈥 can be used to describe people on any part of the scale of Judaism 鈥 from those who are fully observant to the Torah, to those who do not follow it closely. Overall, it refers to someone who accepts that the teachings and practices within Judaism are important.
For an Orthodox Jew, one of the most important things is the continuation of ancient Jewish traditions in an increasingly Unconnected with religion. world.
Reform Judaism
A movement to reform Judaism began in Germany in 1819. It emerged independently in Britain in 1842 with the establishment of the West London Synagogue. Reform Judaism is now a major Jewish denomination, followers believe Jewish traditions should be modernised and made compatible with the surrounding culture.
There are some differences between Orthodox and Reform Judaism. Below is a summary of some of the main issues relating to prayer and worship:
- In Reform Judaism prayers are shorter than those read in an Orthodox Building for Jewish public prayer, study and assembly., and some are read in English rather than in The ancient language of the Jewish people. The language of the Torah, the Temple and the modern state of Israel. alone.
- In Reform Judaism men and women sit together in the synagogue, they sit separately in Orthodox synagogues.
- Some Reform synagogues have women as A religious teacher and leader with authority to make decisions on issues of Jewish law. A rabbi is the chief religious official of a synagogue, who often (but not always) leads worship and conducts rites and rituals. , this would not be the case in Orthodox synagogues.
There are also differences in terms of The seventh day of the week; a day of spiritual renewal and rest commencing at sunset on Friday and terminating at nightfall on Saturday.. In summary:
- In Reform Judaism Shabbat may begin at any time on Friday evening. In Orthodox Judaism, Shabbat will begin at sunset on Friday evening.
- Shabbat is a day of rest from work. In Reform Judaism 'work鈥 refers narrowly to the work involved with one's occupation, or any work for profit. In Orthodox Judaism, many focus only on the study of the Torah and will not do any kind of work on Shabbat.
- In Reform Judaism many drive on Shabbat and use electronic devices. In Orthodox Judaism, it is generally the case that one will not drive.