Core
Beliefs
Judaism
Judaism is one of the world’s oldest religions,
dating back approximately four thousand years.
The belief in one God, who is personal and
intervenes in human history, set Judaism apart
from other religions of the ancient world. This
concept is illustrated in the book of Exodus which
tells the story of Moses leading the Hebrew people
from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the promised
land.
Jews are often referred to as a ‘covenant people’.
The covenant was made between G_d and the
Jews when they escaped from Egypt and received
the Ten Commandments through Moses on Mount
Sinai. Jews believe that this covenant with G_d
continues through time and history.
The integral concept of covenant is also reflected
in Jewish ceremonies such as the Brit Milah, where
a baby boy is circumcised as a physical mark of
the covenant that was made.
Relationship with G-d
Jews believe that there is a single G_d who not only
created the universe, but with whom every Jew can
have an individual and personal relationship. They
believe that G_d continues to work in the world,
affecting everything that people do.
The Jewish relationship with God is a covenant
relationship, therefore Jews try to keep G_d's laws,
as outlined in the Torah, and bring holiness to every
aspect of their lives.
There are 613 mitzvot, or commandments, found
in the Torah and Talmud which Jews can follow
in order to bring holiness to their lives.
These laws include food and dietary laws which
can take the form of keeping ‘kashrut’ or
‘kosher’ in Jewish households. Kosher refers to
food that is fit for consumption according to
Jewish religious law, and the rules can be
summed up in seven fundamental principles that
include the type of animal and the manner in
which the animal is killed.
Also practiced is the separation of dairy and meat
products. Because of the need for constant vigilance
in this regard, many Jews have adopted
vegetarianism. In homes that keep kosher though,
there are separate areas in the kitchen for the
preparation of meat and dairy. There are also
different plates and cutlery as meat and dairy
products and not meant to touch in any way.
Groups within Judaism
There are three main groups within Judaism; Reform
Judaism, Orthodox Judaism, and Conservative
Judaism.
Orthodox Judaism is the most traditionally observant
of the three streams of Judaism. Reform, or
progressive, Judaism adapts its beliefs and practices
to the ways of modern society. Conservative
Judaism holds a middle position within Jewish
society.
Orthodox Judaism
Orthodox Jews practice full observance of Jewish
religious laws (halakhah). They believe that the law
recorded in the Torah is a direct expression of G-d’s
will and it is therefore unchanging. Orthodox Jews
accept changes in the halakhah but they must be
based on specific religious texts, codes and
commentaries. The changes must also be
recognised by the rabbinical authority.
Orthodox Judaism has had three major stages of
development from the late 1700’s through to the end
of World War II. The stages led to emergence of two
main groups within Orthodox Judaism – Modern
Orthodox (Zionist) and Haredi (anti-Zionist).
The Haredim and Hasidic Jews are the most
obvious of the two Orthodox groups as they
preserve the traditional dress of their European
ancestors – long black coats, hats and beards for
males, and modest dresses for women.
Reform Judaism
Reform Judaism is also known as Progressive or
Liberal Judaism. This group within Judaism emerged
in the late 1700’s with the emancipation of the
Jews. Reform Jews therefore believe in change and
accept that ideas of the divine are expressed in
human terms. Thus belief and practice may change
and evolve. Reform Judaism is influenced by social,
scientific, and ethical developments in modern
society.
This belief in change is also mirrored in
the design of the Reform synagogues which, unlike
Orthodox synagogues, do not separate men and
women.
Conservative Judaism
Conservative Jews are more traditional than
Reform Jews but less traditional than the Orthodox
Jews. The belief in the ongoing authority of Jewish
law is shared with Orthodox Jews, yet Conservative
Jews stress the historical development of Judaism.
They therefore believe that Jewish law can be
changed.
Conservative Judaism is the largest group within
Judaism, particularly in America. It is very rare for
Conservative Jews to inter-marry, and maintaining
traditional Jewish practices is important.
The key difference between Conservative and
Orthodox Jews is the role of women. Unlike
Orthodox Judaism, Conservative Judaism allows
women to read from the Torah in synagogues, to
lead services, and in some cases be counted in the
minyan.
Conservative Judaism therefore attracts many Jews
because it maintains tradition “without being
rigorous, and stresses communal standards without
compromising personal autonomy” (Golburg, 2009,
p.214)
Further Information
http://www.jewfaq.org/g-d.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism/b
eliefs/beliefs_1.shtml
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL7M7Y1A2Jk
&feature=related
Reference
Goldburg, Peta. Investigating World
Religions. Cambridge University Press, New
York, 2009.
Gwynne, Paul. World Religions in Practice: A
Comparative Introduction. Blackwell
Publishing, MA, 2009.