An Overview of the Different Judaism Denominations

The 5 Jewish denominations differ from each other fundamentally due to subjective interpretations of Jewish Laws and Culture. However, they are one and the same in observing Jewish Laws and cultural practices – some more ardently than others while there are those who have a very liberal and radical interpretation of their religion and way of life.

There are 5 different Judaism denominations or sects. These Jewish movements, also often referred to as branches or sects of the Jewish religion have patent differences from one another in the areas of beliefs and in their observance of their religion. A striking aspect of the divergence between Jewish movements is mainly due to the differing interpretations of Jewish Scriptures unlike the theological differences that mark the distinctions of the Christian sects.

Conservative Judaism: Followers of Conservative Judaism agree that the teachings and ideas contained in the Torah come from God but are passed from one generation to the next by humans and therefore contain a marked degree of human interpretation and subjective thought. Conservative Jews, by and large, acknowledge the obligatory nature of Jewish Law but firmly believes that the Law should be responsive and adaptable to various cultural aspects while at the same time remaining true to the teachings, morals and values of Judaism.

Humanistic Judaism: Founded by Rabbi Sherwin Wine in Detroit, Michigan in 1963, Humanistic Judaism on the other hand puts forward an unconventional and non-theistic viewpoint of present-day Jewish life. Humanistic Jews believe it is better to live a Jewish lifestyle that is unbound from a mystical and unseen authority; they believe that man can achieve dignity and self-esteem in the manner based on the secular roots of Judaism. Members of the Humanistic sect believe that a human-centered way of life that incorporates the observance of Jewish culture and identity together with observance of concern for others and human-based morality is the better way to practice Judaism.

Orthodox Judaism: The belief of Traditional or Orthodox Jews is that the complete oral and written versions of the Torah were given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai. Part of their belief is that the 613 commandments (mitzvot) contained in the Torah are obligatory and a requisite for all Jews. Although today’s Orthodox Jews faithfully abide by the Jewish Laws (halakhah), they have no problem at all integrate themselves into today’s modern society. On the other hand, Ultra-Orthodox Jews including the Chasidic Jews very rigorously abide by Jewish Laws and do not even bother to associate with other people. They go as far as dressing uniquely and living in communities of their own.

Reconstructionist Judaism: By the name itself, Reconstructionist Jews allows for the religious evolution of Judaism. The Reconstructionists are the most liberal and radical at the same time since they do not believe in a God that is made flesh with active participation in history. They also do not believe that the Jews are God’s chosen people however, they still observe Jewish Laws not for religious purposes but because they view it as an indispensable and priceless vestige of ancient Jewish culture.

Reform Judaism: Reform Judaism on the other hand espouses the belief that the Torah was written by various human scholars and prophets and not by God, the various writings were then combined to form what is now the Torah. Reformists also do not concede to the obligatory and compulsory observance of Jewish Law, nonetheless, they hold on to a great deal of the values and ethics of Judaism including some practices of the Jewish culture.

Source: http://www.devorah.us

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