Branches of Judaism
Today there are various ways that people understand and practice Judaism, explained below. These different ‘groups’ emerged because of the European Enlightenment. (SephardiDescribes Jews of Spanish or Portuguese decent. Jews were not really affected by this and so SephardiDescribes Jews of Spanish or Portuguese decent. Synagogues are all Orthodox.)
Ḥaredi
Sometimes called ‘Strictly Orthodox’. This includes many different groups, including Ḥasidic Jews. These groups are often recognisable due to their traditional styles of dress. HalaḥaJewish law. (Jewish law from the TorahThe Jewish holy book (bible). and Oral lawJewish tradition and law passed down orally from generation to generation. (Eventually written down as the ‘Mishna’.)) is seen as given directly from God and totally binding. TorahThe Jewish holy book (bible). law and tradition affects every action taken throughout the day. Many communities will also follow the teachings of a particular rabbiMeaning teacher. A spiritual leader of a community. Rabbis study for years and take the ‘smeiha’ exam to gain the title of rabbi..
Ḥaredi Jews embrace traditional values and reject many modern ideas such as changes in gender roles. Ḥaredi life is centred around study of Jewish teachings, strict observance of ShabbatThe Jewish sabbath day (Friday evening to Saturday evening). Sometimes pronounced ‘Shabbos’ by Ashkenazi Jews. and festivals and sharing joyous family events such as weddings.
Modern Orthodox
Modern Orthodox Judaism also believes that the Torah (and the Oral law) is the direct word of God given at Mount Sinai and each word is holy. These laws form the basis for everyday living and are eternal, but rabbis are regularly called upon to decide how to apply Jewish law to ever-changing modern life, and welcome many advantages of the modern world (for example using the internet!).
Traditions vary depending on where people live around the world, but they are united in the essential belief in Torah from Mount Sinai.
Men and women have different roles and commitments required of them by Jewish law. For example, only men serve as rabbis and lead synagogueJewish communal building where people gather to pray, learn and celebrate. (From Greek – meaning place of gathering). services and women are seen as the main caregivers for children. However, both men and women are leaders and teachers in Modern Orthodox communities.
Masorti
Masorti Jews are committed to halaḥa (Jewish law) but believe it should gradually evolve to meet the needs of a changing world. Masorti JudaismAn ideology within Judaism (see ‘Groups within Judaism’ page for more details). believes in being inclusive and welcoming, questioning, and open-minded.
Most Masorti synagogues are egalitarian, offering equal opportunities for women and men to lead and take part in the service. Women are recognised as rabbis across the Masorti movement.
Jewish learning is one of Masorti Judaism’s highest values. Every Jewish person should have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Jewish thought, history and culture, and to develop the ability to read and explore Jewish texts for themselves.
Reform
Reform Judaism aims to help Jews balance their Judaism and being a full national citizen in modern society. Reform Jews see the Torah as inspired by God but written down by humans and therefore not the exact ‘word of God’.
Differences in Reform synagogues included changing some prayers, saying prayers in English, men and women sitting together for services, women rabbis and people with only Jewish fathers being counted as Jewish. In recent years, there has been a strong focus on equality, human rights and looking after the environment.
Tradition and text as well as knowledge of the wider world should help people create their own opinions and make informed choices about their Jewish practice.
Liberal
Liberal Judaism is innovative and always thinking about the present and the future, with a focus on justice, social action and equality. As an organisation, Liberal Judaism engages with society as it finds it and plays an active role in building collaboration across the Jewish community and with other faiths and causes.
Liberal Jews make decisions about how they live their own Jewish lives today, whilst taking Jewish tradition and history into account.
Liberal prayer books have updated the language used in prayers and blessings to be inclusive of everyone, including when referring to God.
Secular
Secular or cultural Jews may not believe in God, but may feel a strong Jewish identity for non-religious reasons. They see Judaism as their ethnicity, rather than their religion. Feeling a strong Jewish identity may be due to a shared history – being part of the nation who descended from Jacob, who have had a complicated history and had to fight to survive. Culture such as food, language, music, values, festivals and rituals as well as a connection to the land of Israel are also often important factors in secular or cultural Jewish identity. (There are also Humanist Jews who would fit into this category.)