Judaism in America

There are several Judaic practices or basic teachings differentiated mainly by stringency, human and spiritual roles. Those practices include Orthodox, Hasidic Orthodox, Conservative, Reformed and Reconstructionist Judaism. Among these practices, there are various beliefs in what or who God is (or G-d, the name not written so that none may deface it), traditions and rituals, and lifestyles, some of which I will detail here.

Orthodox Jews believe that their practices emulate that of the first Jews and arose as other Jews attempted to update or modernize Judaism. While Hasidic Orthodox Jews follow the same Orthodox laws, traditional Orthodox Jews maintain a rationalist approach to their teachings. They believe that the Torah, or Hebrew Bible, was "divinely revealed," handed down to Moses on Mount Sinai, and teach the Talmud, a written record of interpretation and study of the Torah. The following are obligations for Orthodox Jews: Kashrut, or kosher dietary laws, Orthodox Jews may not share a table with those that do not observe Kashrut; Brit Milah, or circumcision; women worship separately from men and can not hold rabbinical positions; holy days are celebrated with fullest traditions; and men wear a Kippah, or skullcap, at all times. Intermarriage with non-Orthodox Jews or non-Jews is forbidden, and one may only be an Orthodox Jew by matrilineal descent or ritual conversion.

The Hasidic movement was founded in the eighteenth century in Eastern Europe and is a form of Orthodox Judaism. The teachings reject the Talmud. Hasidic Jews believe all actions and words should serve G-d. They are distinguishable by their manner of dress - men often wear full beards, hat and dark clothing, while women wear head coverings and modest clothing. The largest difference between Orthodox and Hasidic Jews is that Hasidim teachings tend more toward mysticism, and are centered on the teaching of a particular "Rebbe," or saintly leader. Like all Judaic practices, there are many degrees of Hasidic beliefs encompassing rituals, customs, dress, and philosophy.

Reform Jews have various interpretations of G-d, and believe that Jewish Law was divinely inspired and followers may choose which laws to follow, and are encouraged to analyze Halakah, or G-d's directives. They believe that modernization of Judaism is required in order to be a consistent Jew, and that followers may reject Jewish law if it runs counter to personal conscience. Kashrut is not required, however Reform Jews are encouraged to follow traditions and increase their sanctity to G-d. Brit Milah is required of Jewish-born men. Women are held as total equals to men and may participate in all aspects of worship and rituals, including holding rabbinical positions. Intermarriage is allowed as long as Jewish boundaries are recognized and understood, and the intermarried are welcomed into congregations. One may be a Reform Jew by descent from one Jewish parent or by study and public declaration before a rabbi and two lay leaders.

Conservative Jews have varied interpretations of G-d, ranging from supernatural to naturalistic humanism. It follows a middle road between Orthodox and Reform Judaism, leaning more toward established rituals. They believe the Torah was divinely inspired, but is not directly the word of G-d because of human interpretation. Conservative Judaism supports mostly traditional teachings, but will accommodate modernization so long as the Jewish life is learned and lived. Conservative Jews follow kosher laws, but may eat with those that do not observe Kashrut. Brit Milah is required. Women may worship and perform prayer rituals with men, and may hold rabbinical positions. Intermarriage is not encouraged, but is allowed provided that a Jewish family life is lived. One may be a Conservative Jew by matrilineal descent or ritual conversion.

Reconstructionist Judaism arose in the 1930's in an attempt to unify Jews, so many of which were not connected to a synagogue. They believe that G-d is a power that makes for human salvation, and that the Torah was a collection of writings from various people in attempt to seek salvation. They believe it was divinely inspired, but was not a revelation. Reconstructionist Jews are committed to traditional while searching for contemporary meaning. Instead of the individualist tenet of Reform Jews, they teach the merit of community. Those communities adapt their own democratic procedures, and rabbis work with lay people to make those guidelines. They also identify culture as an important aspect of Judaism, including art and music, and ties to their Jewish homeland, Israel. Kashrut is encouraged since it is a custom, and is viewed as a way to enrich Jewish kinship. Brit Milah is required. Reconstructionist Jews support a fully egalitarian approach to religious life: women may participate in all parts of worship and ritual, and may become rabbis. Intermarriage is allowed and