Modern Jewish believers are separated into various distinct branches or sects, in addition to ethnic variety. Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, and Re-constructionist are the four major branches in North America. Orthodox Judaism is the most traditional branch of contemporary Judaism.
Orthodox Judaism
Orthodox Judaism refers to the traditionalist streams of modern Judaism. It is primarily defined theologically by reverence for the Torah, both written and oral, as revealed by God to Moses on Mount Sinai and faithfully transmitted ever since. They believe that the Torah, the five books of Moses, is God's actual word and that obeying this message is what gives life meaning and purpose. Following all 613 commandments (mitzvot) established in the Torah that are still practicable is what Orthodox Jews imply.
Reform Judaism
Reform Judaism, also known as Liberal Judaism or Progressive Judaism, is a Jewish denomination that emphasizes the evolving nature of Judaism, the superiority of its ethical aspects over its ceremonial ones, and belief in a never-ending search for truth and knowledge that is closely linked to human reason and is not limited to the theophany at Mount Sinai. The most liberal of the four streams, Reform Jews, seek to adapt Judaism for today's society. They do not think the Torah was directly written by God, but rather a compilation of writings by numerous persons. The majority of Reform Jews do not adhere to rigorous dietary rules.
Conservative Judaism
Conservative Judaism is a Jewish religious organization that believes that the authority of Jewish law and tradition comes largely from the consent of the people over centuries, rather than supernatural revelation. As a result, it considers Jewish law, or halakha, to be both obligatory and susceptible to historical evolution. Conservative Judaism is strongly committed to the theistic concept of a personal God. According to Emet ve-Emunah, "we affirm our faith in God as the Creator and Governor of the universe."
Re-constructionist Judaism
Re-constructionist Judaism is a Jewish movement founded on Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan's teachings that sees Judaism as a continually emerging civilization rather than merely a religion. They think that it is the Jewish people who choose to live in a covenantal setting, in which tradition becomes sacred. They believe in a historic mission to bear testimony to the divine presence all across the world and especially to demonstrate that every human life is precious, made in the divine image.
Orthodox Judaism
Orthodox Judaism refers to the traditionalist streams of modern Judaism. It is primarily defined theologically by reverence for the Torah, both written and oral, as revealed by God to Moses on Mount Sinai and faithfully transmitted ever since. They believe that the Torah, the five books of Moses, is God's actual word and that obeying this message is what gives life meaning and purpose. Following all 613 commandments (mitzvot) established in the Torah that are still practicable is what Orthodox Jews imply.
Reform Judaism
Reform Judaism, also known as Liberal Judaism or Progressive Judaism, is a Jewish denomination that emphasizes the evolving nature of Judaism, the superiority of its ethical aspects over its ceremonial ones, and belief in a never-ending search for truth and knowledge that is closely linked to human reason and is not limited to the theophany at Mount Sinai. The most liberal of the four streams, Reform Jews, seek to adapt Judaism for today's society. They do not think the Torah was directly written by God, but rather a compilation of writings by numerous persons. The majority of Reform Jews do not adhere to rigorous dietary rules.
Conservative Judaism
Conservative Judaism is a Jewish religious organization that believes that the authority of Jewish law and tradition comes largely from the consent of the people over centuries, rather than supernatural revelation. As a result, it considers Jewish law, or halakha, to be both obligatory and susceptible to historical evolution. Conservative Judaism is strongly committed to the theistic concept of a personal God. According to Emet ve-Emunah, "we affirm our faith in God as the Creator and Governor of the universe."
Re-constructionist Judaism
Re-constructionist Judaism is a Jewish movement founded on Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan's teachings that sees Judaism as a continually emerging civilization rather than merely a religion. They think that it is the Jewish people who choose to live in a covenantal setting, in which tradition becomes sacred. They believe in a historic mission to bear testimony to the divine presence all across the world and especially to demonstrate that every human life is precious, made in the divine image.