Orthodox And Orthodox Judaism

Leanna Toikach

Spring Semester

Theology: Religions of the World

Judaism from an Orthodox, Conservative and Reform View

Judaism being as widespread as it is has many misconceptions variations and so on. One of the most important thing to remember about Judaism is that it all stems from one set of laws. Judaism over time has separated within the religion and has spread into a reform category, orthodox and conservative each which play a different role and position within the religion.

Those laws are located within the Torah. To Jewish people there is no such thing as an “Old Testament” or “New Testament”. The books that the Christians refer to as the New Testament do not exist in Judaism. The Torah better known as the law consists of five books. The name of the book is derived from the first few words of the book. Bereshith (in the beginning), Shemoth (the names), Vavigra (and he called), Bamidbar (in the wilderness), Devarim (the words). For those that study Christianity in the same order the books are known as genesis, exodus, Leviticus, numbers, Deuteronomy. The scroll/Torah is the combination of all the books combined found in Shuls/Synogagues/Temples and is taken out for prayer.

The roots of Orthodox Judaism can be traced to the late 18th or early 19th century, as a response to the Age of Enlightenment, Jewish Emancipation. The external and internal process in various nations of expanding the rights of Jewish from/within Europe, including recognition of rights as equal citizens, and the formal granting of citizenship. Orthodox Judaism believes that both the Written and Oral Torah are of divine origin, and represent the word of G-d. This is similar to the view of the Conservative movement, but the Orthodox movement holds that s...

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...roducts of Yeast for the seven days in observance of Passover. For Orthodox Jews this is closely kept and observed and many meals are paired with Matzoh a symbolic food for this time of year. For Conservative Jews the observance of what you eat is mainly kept the first night/day of the holiday and then it no longer matters. For Reform Jews there are no such restrictions and they will continue to eat what they normally would.

Judaism being dates far back has definitely evolved over time. It is nearly impossible to cover absolutely every aspect of the evolving three branches of Judaism. Above are just some of the historical facts and differences found within this one religion. As other religions Judaism is interpreted differently by each individual who studies it. Luckily today we are able to freely interpret our religion in which ever one way we understand it.