...The Different Movements of Judaism and How The Dietary Laws Differ The Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox Movements are the three main levels of modern day Judaism around the world. These three Movements are all very similar to one another but at the same time they are also vastly different. The main topic that I am going to cover in this report is how the three Movements differ when it comes to the laws governing the consumption of food. First I am going to give a bit of background information on each of the three major Movements. The Reform Movement The Reform Movement of Judaism is the least strict when it comes to following the Mitzvot found in the Torah. The Reform Movement began in Germany in the early 1800’s in response to the perceived rigidity of the Orthodox Movement and due to Germany’s increasingly liberal political climate (ReligionFacts.com). The Reform Movement is designed to allow people to be able to celebrate their Jewish roots and heritages in a much less constricting way than with traditional or Orthodox Judaism. This quote, from the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ) is an effective way to describe the approach of the Reform Movement: “Reform Jews accept the Torah as the foundation of Jewish life containing God’s ongoing revelation to our people and the record of our people’s ongoing relationship with God. We see the Torah as God inspired, a living document that enables us to confront the timeless and timely challenges of our everyday lives.”(URJ...
Words: 1237 - Pages: 5
...Running head: Ethnic Diversity Ethnic Diversity: Jewish American Grand Canyon University: TSL - 545 August 31, 2011 Ethnic Diversity: Jewish American Jewish Americans are unique among American immigrants in that their sense of unity was not linked to a nationality. The Jews are unified by religion and tradition rather than by national origins (Bennett, C., 2007). Judaism is based on the expression of a covenantal relationship with God. This religion and its congregation play a role in how society of today came to be. Jews in the Mediterrean owned large landed estates and were important political figures, bankers, and industrialists. Jewish wealth, in fact, was used to help finance the explorations of Columbus (Bennett, C., 2007). However, Conditions changed suddenly in 1492 when Ferdinand and Isabella decreed that Jews either convert to Christianity or be expelled. Some Jews pretended to convert, remained in Spain, and practiced their faith in secret. Others fled to the eastern Mediterranean, and still others came to the American colonies, which were known for greater religious freedom (Bennett, C., 2007). In the 1800s, the Jewish American community was comprised of majority Germans. These Jews differed from Mediterranean Jews who originally immigrated by not developing Jewish communities. Instead, they spread out across the United States working as small tradesmen and professionals serving the non-Jewish citizens (Bennett, C., 2007). These German Jews...
Words: 1290 - Pages: 6
...Jewish bible. Include its estimated date of being written and what is contained in each section. 2. Describe the major similarities and differences between the four branches of Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist). How are these four groups distinct from one another? Denominations of Judaism: Jewish movements, often referred to as denominations, branches or sects of Judaism, differ from each other in some beliefs and thus in the way they observe Judaism. Differences between Jewish movements, in contrast to differences between Christian denominations, derive from interpreting Jewish scriptures in more progressive/liberal or more traditional/conservative ways rather then from theological differences. 1. Orthodox Judaism: Orthodox Jews believe that God gave Moses the whole Torah (Written and Oral) at Mount Sinai. Orthodox Jews believe that the Torah contains 613 mitzvot (commandments) that are binding upon Jews. Modern Orthodox Jews strictly observe halakhah (Jewish Law), but still integrate into modern society. Ultra-Orthodox Jews, which includes Chasidic Jews, strictly observe Jewish laws and do not integrate into modern society by dressing distinctively and living separately. 2. Conservative Judaism: Conservative Judaism maintains that...
Words: 512 - Pages: 3
...Jewish Holy Days Paper REL/134 Jewish Holy Days Paper The Jewish holy day, Yom Kippur, translates to “Day of Atonement”. This holiday occurs on the tenth day of Tishrei and is taken from the book of Leviticus. The Jewish community remains abstinent from all physical pleasures, and reflects on the sins committed in the past year. This holy day, along with other Jewish holy days, differ culturally because they do not fall on a specific day on the twelve month calendar used in America (Rich). Time of the Year Yom Kippur falls on the tenth day of Tishrei. Tishrei is the seventh month of the twelve month Jewish calendar (Yetzira). In the year 2013 Yom Kippur falls on September 13-14. In the year 2014, it falls on October 3-4 ("When is yom,"). This holy day is considered a Sabbath. “It is a complete, 25-hour fast beginning before sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur and ending after nightfall on the day of Yom Kippur” (Rich). Historical Origin Yom Kippur’s historical origin can be found in the book of Leviticus. “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls...It shall be to you a Sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict your souls; on the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall celebrate your Sabbath (Leviticus 23:26-27,32).” Moses first went to the top of Mt. Sinai and...
Words: 916 - Pages: 4
...Judaism has millions of followers around the world. There are basically three major movements in the U.S. today: Reform, Conservative and Orthodox. Some people also include a fourth movement, the Reconstructionist movement, although that movement is substantially smaller than the other three (Bender). In this essay I will examine in detail the differences between the four main branches of Judaism as practiced in the United States. The Orthodoxy is made up of several different groups. It includes the modern Orthodox, who has largely integrated into modern society while maintaining observance of Halakhah (Bender). The Chasidim, who live separately and dress distinctively (Bender). Yeshivish Orthodox, who are neither Chasidic nor modern (Bender). The Orthodox movements are all very similar in belief, and the differences are difficult for anyone who is not Orthodox to understand. They all believe that G-d gave Moses the whole Torah at Mount Sinai (Rich). This includes both the Written Torah and the Oral Torah. They also believe that the Torah is true, and that it has come down to the believers intact and unchanged. Reform Judaism does not believe that the Torah was written by G-d. Many non-observant, nominal, and agnostic Jews identify themselves as Reform because it is the most liberal movement, but that is not really a fair reflection on the movement as a whole (Bender). They also believe that the Bible was written by separate sources and redacted together (Rich). Reform...
Words: 632 - Pages: 3
...PASSOVER (PESACH) JEWISH HOLY DAY Passover (Pesach) Jewish Holy Day Tamara REL/134 November 5, 2013 William Sunday Abstract This research paper summarizes the three main branches of Judaism; Orthodox, Conservative, and Reconstructionist (Liberal) Judaism, and how the Jewish Holy Day Passover (Pesach) is observed. The paper displays the time of the year of the holy day, its origin, and the religious practices that were associated. The study also describes the aftermath of the Reform movement, including the derivatives of the traditional beliefs that were reproduced. This study also confirmed the separation of men and women in the three different traditions and beliefs of Judaism leading to differences with the Orthodox towards the Liberals and Conservatives. The Passover (Pesach) Passover is the Jewish holiday commonly known to Jews as Pesach. This holiday is an eight-day celebration to commemorate the deliverance of the Israelites from the rule of Pharaoh in ancient Egypt. The first two days and last two days of Pesach are recognized as being major holy days for Jewish believers. The first day represents the first day that the Jews left Egypt. The seventh and eighth days represent the miracle of the splitting of the Red Sea. Pesach occurs in the early spring during the months of March and April from the 15th through the 22nd and is also referred to as the Hebrew month Nissan 15. As believers followed the customs of the Passover or Pesach they also gain the experience...
Words: 1146 - Pages: 5
...Reform Judaism Tamara Rice Instructor: Eric Speir REL 212 March 11th, 2012 Background Over a month ago when I selected the topic of Judaism as the subject for my field research paper, I thought that the outcome would be cut and dry. I knew that Judaism served as the foundation for my own faith (Christianity) and that Jews honored the Sabbath from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. I also had in my mind the imagery of the Star of David, the Torah scroll and the male rabbi in the synagogue donning a prayer shawl over his shoulders and a kippah on the crown of his head. I believed that I had the general concepts of the Jewish faith in my mind; I just needed to witness a virtual worship service and fill in some of the minor details while gathering some additional intelligence on some misconceptions. So I decided to go over to the Ustream for “Shir Hadash” and witness a Community Shabbat (Sabbath) Service (Ustream, 2011). What I discovered watching the 2.5 hour Shabbat service followed by some additional research gave me a rude awakening. The impression of Judaism that I’ve carried with me up to this point is what is known as Orthodox Judaism. The Jews that I’ve witnessed in tight-knit communities in places such as Brooklyn, New York and Oak Park, Michigan were towns filled with Orthodox Jews. In addition to Orthodox Judaism, there is also Conservative Judaism. Conservative Judaism reverences traditional Jewish practices in America, but...
Words: 1732 - Pages: 7
...The historical Jewish movements (Pharisses, Sadduccees, and Essenes) were responses to the Roman rule of Israel, while the major modern movements (Reform, Orthodox, and Conservative) are responses to the modern, secular culture of Europe and America. Jewish denominations differ from one another primarily with regard to practice. Orthodox Judaism is the most traditional expression of modern Judaism. Orthodox Jews believe the entire Torah - including "Written," the the Pentateuch, and "Oral," the Talmud) was given to Moses by God at Sinai and remains authoritative for modern life in its entirety. Reform Judaism is the most liberal expression of Judaism. In America, Reform Judaism is organized under the Union for Reform Judaism (known as the Union of American Hebrew Congregations until 2003), whose mission is "to create and sustain vibrant Jewish congregations wherever Reform Jews live." About 1.5 million Jews in 900 synagogues are members of the Union for Reform Judaism. Conservative Judaism may be said to be a moderate position between Orthodox and Reform Judaism. It seeks to conserve the traditional elements of Judaism, while allowing for modernization to a less radical extent than Reform Judaism. The teachings of Zacharias Frankel (1801-75) form the foundation of Conservative Judaism. Hasidic (or Chasidic) Judaism arose in 12th-century Germany as a mystical movement emphasizing asceticism and experience born out of love and humility before God. The austere religious...
Words: 2654 - Pages: 11
...Contemporary Issues within Judaism and other Religions Contemporary Issues within Judaism and other Religions Introduction for paper - We will take a look Historical connections and theological similarities There has been fighting within Israel since the beginning. The battle can be referred to as a Holy War. "Holy war," sanctioned or even commanded by God, is a common and recurring theme in the Hebrew Bible” ("Judaism101", 2011). Jews in Israel want to have their country as God intended them to have, their “Holy Land.” The Jewish Holy War continues because inhabitants of Israel fight amongst themselves about who is truly entitled to the Holy Land. Holy War for another religion that originated in the same area, Islam, is completely different. Holy War for Islam is more about completing a mission. Islam is a religion similar to Judaism; however Judaism began before Christianity and Islam. Judaism is one of the first modern religions that are monotheistic. Judaism, Islam and Christianity each have that characteristic in common. Jewish people believe the Torah is the chief book that should be followed for their religion. The Torah is similar to the Old Testament in the Christian bible. The Torah does not promote Jesus as the messiah as the New Testament does for Christians. On the other hand, some Jewish people actually do believe in Jesus. Many Jewish Jesus believers belong to the organization Jews for Jesus. The group Jews for Jesus believes and promotes...
Words: 512 - Pages: 3
...OF AIMS The aim of this research is to investigate the origin and development of orthodox Judaism knowing the reason why they were formed and how they differ from the other sets of jews. Methodology Information will be collected via internet and booklets that was given by the teacher of the subject. Statement of findings Origin and development of the orthodox Jews The actual term “Orthodox” is derived from Christian theology and was, at first. A term of reproach hurled against the traditionalist by the early reformers at the beginning of the nineteenth century, to imply that those who fail to respond to the modernist challenge were high bound. However the term was used by the traditionalist themselves as a convenient short hand for the attitude of complete loyalty to the Jewish past, although some traditionalist prefer the term “Torah true” to describe their Jewish positions. In any event orthodoxy came to mean faithfulness to the practices of Judaism to the Halakhah (Jewish law) in its traditional formulation. Orthodox Judaism rejects the notion introduced by reform that, in the light of modern thought and life in western society, Judaism required to be reformed, Granted that the Torah is a divine origin, as the orthodox affirm, to attempt to reform is to imply that god can change his mind, to put it somewhat crudely. Orthodoxy also takes issue with conservative which, unlike reform, does accept Halakhah but perceives it in a more dynamic fashion, according to which...
Words: 436 - Pages: 2
...Running head: A Brief Look into Jainism and Judaism A Brief Look into Jainism and Judaism Tammy Chace Strayer University REL212 Dr. Travien L. Capers July 31, 2013 A Brief Look into Jainism and Judaism While studying different religions I became fascinated with Jainism and I have always been interested in Judaism. In this paper we will take a look at the basic origin of each religion and several of their foundational spiritual beliefs. We will then look at a few spiritual practices of each religion. We will look at an example of how each religion is practiced today. Jainism Jainism dates backs to the 6th century B.C.E. in India. The religion derives its name from the jinas, meaning conquerors, a title given to twenty-four great teachers , through whom their faith was revealed. Mahavira, the last of the tirthankaras, is considered the founder of Jainism. The ultimate goal of Jainism is the liberation of one’s self from rebirth, which is attained through the elimination of accumulated karma. This occurs through both the disciplined cultivation of knowledge and control of bodily passions. When the passions have been utterly conquered and all karma has been removed, one becomes a Jina, or “conqueror", and is no longer subject to rebirth. Jainism conceives of a multi-layered universe containing both heavens and hells. Movement through these levels of the universe requires adherence to the Jainism doctrines emphasizing a peaceful and disciplined life. These principles...
Words: 2528 - Pages: 11
...borders without losing its core and traditional meanings and foundations? The appeal of the Christian religion has to compete with the social world in which it exists. The traditional Christian is viewed by many as stagnant, stiff, and out-dated. The youth today need to be challenged mentally and spiritually to stimulate their interest in a religion that can be interpreted as boring and seen as a relic of their parents and grandparents. To explore how Christianity as a religion can grow, one must first explore its past and past struggles to include those with Judaism and Islam. According to a book entitled the first Christians, attention is drawn to archaeological discoveries and modern social science scholars that have sharpened their focus on that first generation of Christians. It has shown early Christians saw themselves not as founders of a new religion but as reformers of Judaism. They did not want to abandon Judaism, but to rejuvenate it. The early Christian message was not a uniform creed; it changed in important ways, especially in its depiction of Jesus, as Christianity spread from Palestine to the Roman Empire. That there were "real and important differences" in how the founding Christians understood their faith is beyond dispute, says James D.G. Dunn, professor of divinity at the University of Durham, England. Understanding those early differences can illuminate a church that today ranges in form...
Words: 869 - Pages: 4
...moderates had branded them as radicals. This name hardly describes the movement aptly. Conservative Judaism, is the American version of the principles of positive historical Judaism. The conservatives accept the findings of modern scholarship that Judaism is the product of a long period of growth and evolution. However, this process did not result in broken or inconsistent lines of development; quite the contrary, the major currents of Judaism run consistently through the extensive literature of the Jewish people, created in successive ages.” (Rudavsky 338) Conservative Judaism is one of the largest of the various sects of Judaism. Conservative Jews make up about 40-45% of those Jews who affiliate. Conservative Judaism accepts the idea that Jewish law is binding upon Jews. Conservative Jews have an obligation to obey all the teachings and commandments of Judaism., For example, Conservative Jews emphasize the laws of keeping the Sabbath and keeping kosher. Conservative Jews believe that Jewish law is capable of evolution as humans learn more about interpreting the Torah. Therefore, Conservative Jews have changed some of the earlier interpretations. Men and women worship together in Conservative synagogues, people may ride in a car on the Sabbath to attend services, and women can be ordained as rabbis. “Issac Leeser is generally regarded as the principal forerunner of Conservative Judaism in the United States. A native of Westphalia, Lesser acquired his religious and secular education...
Words: 765 - Pages: 4
...According to Israel’s Ministry of foreign affairs the Jewish religion is the oldest of the three monotheistic faiths. Judaism is a set of cultural beliefs passed on for around 5,000 years. Judaism is more of a culture religion This is interesting. I’m not sure what you mean by a “culture religion.” I assume this means a religion that also has a strong sense of culture and identity. that is a set of traditions followed by the Jewish community and followers. I had interviewed a person by the name of Brent Leder who is a Reformed Jew. When he was in the fourth grade, Brent had started to learn Hebrew. In order for him to be Bar Mitzvah, he must know the Hebrew language and must read from the Torah at the age of 13. He has inspired me to learn more about the Jewish religion and what it means to be Jewish. That’s great. It’s good to have an open mind and want to learn more about religion. As I sat down and asked Brent questions about his religion, he began to tell me about the meaning and the history of Judaism. Since he practices the reformed sect of the religion there are more lenient rules because it is the least strict of the three sects. When I had asked him about what the Jewish thoughts and beliefs are about Jesus, Brent said, “Jesus was just a carpenter that was sentenced to crucifixion on the cross.” Interesting response. More dismissive of Jesus than many Jews are. As I asked questions, Brent began to get in depth about the religion by telling me everything he knows. I...
Words: 2245 - Pages: 9
...Religious and Ethnic Groups Paper Religious and Ethnic Groups Paper Researching Reform Judaism and Asian decent I was able to learn about their hardships, contributions and beliefs. Reform Judaism beliefs * The Carrol (2010-2012) website defined: Reform Judaism began in the 19th century as a movement designed to bring Judaism into line with the ideas of the western European enlightenment. Reform Jews reject outright what they see as the dogmatic, outdated practices of Orthodox Jews and focus on the ethical dimensions of the faith instead of the traditional rituals, commandments and practices. Reform Jews moved the Sabbath from Saturday to Sundays, often read scriptures in the vernacular language instead of Hebrew, set aside the kosher dietary codes and the distinctive ways of dress, and often discarded circumcision as well. The guiding sensibility here is that in order for the religion to be relevant and authentic, it must be reformed and reinvigorated from time to time, which sometimes means changing the fundamental ways in which the religion is practiced. Reform Judaism is the largest form of Judaism in the United States. * Reform Judaism contribution to American culture * * In the field of medicine alone, Jewish contributions are staggering and continue to be so. It was a Jew who created the first polio vaccine, who discovered insulin, who discovered that aspirin dealt with pain, who discovered chloral hydrate for convulsions, who discovered...
Words: 1067 - Pages: 5
