Sects of Judaism
Through the years, as with any major religion, Jews have developed a number of different denominations. With Judaism this really only happened in the 1700's, when Jews in Europe began getting some freedom in society. Before that time most Jews were required to live separately from most of society in ghettos. In the 18th century many West European countries started granting civil rights to Jews and they began to mix with Gentiles. Jews now had to choose how far to mix with the cultures around them: to continue living seperately, to mix with, or to become just like the people around them.
Orthodox Jews
Orthodox Jews believe that the Torah is the Word of God and so adhere to the instructions and practices outlines in the Torah.
Services are done in Hebrew,
the Sabbath is strictly observed,
Only kosher food is eaten
Men and Women maintain traditional roles and sit separately during services to avoid distractions
Services are done in Hebrew,
the Sabbath is strictly observed,
Only kosher food is eaten
Men and Women maintain traditional roles and sit separately during services to avoid distractions
Hasidic Jews
The Hasidim Movement started in the mid 1700's and was tailored to let the common people of the day understand more about their religion. They simplified the rules and traditions of Judaism and focused on the principles of
Humility
Good deeds
Prayer
Knowing God through creation
Hasidic Jews are considered the 'pious ones'. The largest number of Hasidic Jews are found in the United States. Most Hasidic Jews are easily recognizable because of their strict dress code: men wear beards, black hats and long black coats. Women usually cover their heads and wear modest dress.
Humility
Good deeds
Prayer
Knowing God through creation
Hasidic Jews are considered the 'pious ones'. The largest number of Hasidic Jews are found in the United States. Most Hasidic Jews are easily recognizable because of their strict dress code: men wear beards, black hats and long black coats. Women usually cover their heads and wear modest dress.
Reform Jews
Reform Jews belief that the Torah was a revelation to the people of the time and that God will give later generations the ability to appreciate and interpret the Torah. They do not disagree with the basic principles of Judaism but they think that Jews should try to absorb and participate with the culture and freedoms that exist in any local culture that they live in. So a Jewish person in our country would be a Canadian Jew and not a Jewish person who just happens to be living in Canada.
They use the local language in services rather than Hebrew
There is no separation of men and women in services
Women can be Rabbis
Non-kosher food may be eaten
They use the local language in services rather than Hebrew
There is no separation of men and women in services
Women can be Rabbis
Non-kosher food may be eaten
Conservative Jews
Conservative groups are a mix between the Orthodox and Reform ideas. They have updated the practices of Judaism to meet modern changes in society, while trying to maintain the best of traditional Judaism. However, they are not as willing to give up the traditions of Jewish beliefs and culture as Reformists are, so they try to blend the best of their Jewish culture with the mainstream culture that they live in.
Services are mostly in Hebrew
Men and Women can sit together during services
Women can lead service, read the Torah and be Rabbis
Jews should continue to eat Kosher
Services are mostly in Hebrew
Men and Women can sit together during services
Women can lead service, read the Torah and be Rabbis
Jews should continue to eat Kosher