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JudaismJudaism

• Judaism TodayJudaism Today• Reform, Conservative, OrthodoxReform, Conservative, Orthodox

• Week 4, 1/26/2011Week 4, 1/26/2011• Gene Wright, [email protected] Wright, [email protected]

World Religions - JudaismWorld Religions - JudaismWorld Religions - JudaismWorld Religions - Judaism

• Traditional Jewish life began to break down in Traditional Jewish life began to break down in Western Europe toward the end of the 1700s as Western Europe toward the end of the 1700s as Jews were extended political rights and Jews were extended political rights and educational opportunities with the expectation educational opportunities with the expectation that the Jews would acculturate into their new that the Jews would acculturate into their new national settings. national settings.

• This is sometimes referred to as emancipation.This is sometimes referred to as emancipation.• Many Jews people were eager to accept the Many Jews people were eager to accept the

invitation to leave their autonomous Jewish invitation to leave their autonomous Jewish communities but were reluctant to abandon all communities but were reluctant to abandon all ties to their ancestral faith.ties to their ancestral faith.

• Much of the face of Modern Judaism came from Much of the face of Modern Judaism came from changes in this period of the early 1800s.changes in this period of the early 1800s.

Spring 2011Spring 2011Crieve Hall church of ChristCrieve Hall church of Christ


• Reform JudaismReform Judaism: A small number of modest : A small number of modest reforms in the first two decades of the 19th century reforms in the first two decades of the 19th century preceded an ideological program of Reform. preceded an ideological program of Reform. Changes included:Changes included:

• Sermons should be edifying, rather than legalistic, Sermons should be edifying, rather than legalistic, and should be delivered in the vernacular. Some and should be delivered in the vernacular. Some shortened services and introduced an organ.shortened services and introduced an organ.

• The traditional blessing for the rebuilding of the The traditional blessing for the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and the reinstitution of animal Temple in Jerusalem and the reinstitution of animal sacrifices was similarly deleted from the prayer sacrifices was similarly deleted from the prayer books. books.

• Even today, many Reform houses of worship are Even today, many Reform houses of worship are called “temples” because they no longer look called “temples” because they no longer look toward rebuilding the Jerusalem Temple.toward rebuilding the Jerusalem Temple.



• Reform JudaismReform Judaism: rejected the idea of : rejected the idea of resurrection in its 1885 Pittsburgh Platform. resurrection in its 1885 Pittsburgh Platform.

• References to resurrecting the dead have References to resurrecting the dead have generally been replaced by quickening all life. generally been replaced by quickening all life.

• Reform prayer books also reject the notion of Reform prayer books also reject the notion of an individual Messiah. They speak of a an individual Messiah. They speak of a messianic age. messianic age.

• The liturgy is fairly gender inclusive. For The liturgy is fairly gender inclusive. For instance, when the patriarchs are mentioned, instance, when the patriarchs are mentioned, the matriarchs are also invoked.the matriarchs are also invoked.

• Embraced the Social Gospel in 1885 Embraced the Social Gospel in 1885 • In 1972, In 1972, Reform ordained its first female rabbi.Reform ordained its first female rabbi.


World Religions - JudaismWorld Religions - JudaismWorld Religions - JudaismWorld Religions - Judaism• Reform JudaismReform Judaism: By far, the most radical innovation by : By far, the most radical innovation by

the early Reform movement in Germany was its claim the early Reform movement in Germany was its claim that the traditional commandments were no longer that the traditional commandments were no longer obligatory. obligatory.

• One of the guiding principles of Reform Judaism is the One of the guiding principles of Reform Judaism is the autonomy of the individual who has the right to decide autonomy of the individual who has the right to decide whether to subscribe to a particular belief or practice. whether to subscribe to a particular belief or practice.

• Reform Judaism allows individuals to choose which Reform Judaism allows individuals to choose which commandments to observe based on which are most commandments to observe based on which are most spiritually edifying.spiritually edifying.

• The Torah is binding only in its moral teachings and The Torah is binding only in its moral teachings and rabbinic teachings on diet, etc. are no longer relevant. rabbinic teachings on diet, etc. are no longer relevant. Lobster was served at an initial conference.Lobster was served at an initial conference.

• In services, men and women sit together and men do not In services, men and women sit together and men do not wear head coverings.wear head coverings.



• OrthodoxOrthodox: As a response to emancipation, : As a response to emancipation, enlightenment, and Reform Judaism, several enlightenment, and Reform Judaism, several varieties of Orthodox Judaism emerged in the varieties of Orthodox Judaism emerged in the 19th century. 19th century.

• That’s right – much of modern Orthodoxy is That’s right – much of modern Orthodoxy is just as much a product of the 1800s as is just as much a product of the 1800s as is Reform! Reform!

• While Modern Orthodoxy struggled to balance While Modern Orthodoxy struggled to balance traditional Judaism and an open posture traditional Judaism and an open posture toward Western European culture, Ultra-toward Western European culture, Ultra-Orthodoxy rejected secular studies, Western Orthodoxy rejected secular studies, Western dress, and European languages.dress, and European languages.



• OrthodoxOrthodox: The story is different in Eastern : The story is different in Eastern Europe, where the reforms that Judaism Europe, where the reforms that Judaism underwent were not about halakic practice but underwent were not about halakic practice but about devotional posture.about devotional posture.

• The Hassidic movement focused on how one is The Hassidic movement focused on how one is best able to maintain a relationship with God. best able to maintain a relationship with God.

• Although each Orthodox group responded Although each Orthodox group responded differently to modernity, what unites the Modern differently to modernity, what unites the Modern Orthodox, the Ultra-Orthodox, and the Orthodox, the Ultra-Orthodox, and the Chassidic Jews is their commitment to Chassidic Jews is their commitment to traditional halakah.traditional halakah.


World Religions - JudaismWorld Religions - JudaismWorld Religions - JudaismWorld Religions - Judaism• The term "Orthodox" Judaism only emerged as a result The term "Orthodox" Judaism only emerged as a result

of the growth of new branches of Judaism. Orthodox of the growth of new branches of Judaism. Orthodox Judaism views itself as the continuation of the beliefs Judaism views itself as the continuation of the beliefs and practices of normative Judaism, as accepted by the and practices of normative Judaism, as accepted by the Jewish nation at Mt. Sinai and codified in successive Jewish nation at Mt. Sinai and codified in successive generations in an ongoing process that continues to this generations in an ongoing process that continues to this day.day.

• In terms of practice, Orthodox Jews strictly follow the In terms of practice, Orthodox Jews strictly follow the Written Torah and the Oral Law as interpreted by the Written Torah and the Oral Law as interpreted by the Medieval commentators (think Maimonides) and codified Medieval commentators (think Maimonides) and codified in the Codices by the Rabbis. From the time they get up in the Codices by the Rabbis. From the time they get up in the morning until they go to bed at night, Orthodox in the morning until they go to bed at night, Orthodox Jews observe God's commandments concerning prayer, Jews observe God's commandments concerning prayer, dress, food, family relations, social behavior, the dress, food, family relations, social behavior, the Sabbath day, holidays and more. Sabbath day, holidays and more.



• Common Orthodox Synagogue customsCommon Orthodox Synagogue customs• 1) Wearing a head covering. A yarmulke is traditionally 1) Wearing a head covering. A yarmulke is traditionally

worn by all men. It is considered an act of respect to worn by all men. It is considered an act of respect to God and the sacredness of the worship space.God and the sacredness of the worship space.

• 2) Wearing a prayer shawl or tallis. Worn by Jewish 2) Wearing a prayer shawl or tallis. Worn by Jewish men only, this has bordered fringes and reminds the men only, this has bordered fringes and reminds the wearer of the commandments of Judaism.wearer of the commandments of Judaism.

• 3) Sitting and standing. Many times during the service, 3) Sitting and standing. Many times during the service, attendees will stand and sit for different prayers.attendees will stand and sit for different prayers.

• 4) Men and women sit in separate areas.4) Men and women sit in separate areas.• 5) After the service, Kiddush, the blessing over the 5) After the service, Kiddush, the blessing over the

bread and wine, is performed. This is to sanctify the bread and wine, is performed. This is to sanctify the day and is followed by a festive luncheon. day and is followed by a festive luncheon.


World Religions - JudaismWorld Religions - JudaismWorld Religions - JudaismWorld Religions - Judaism• An Orthodox Synagogue ServiceAn Orthodox Synagogue Service• The ShemaThe Shema – “Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord – “Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord

is One” is the central part of each morning and evening is One” is the central part of each morning and evening service and probably the single most important sentence service and probably the single most important sentence in the liturgy. It is not a prayer but an affirmation.in the liturgy. It is not a prayer but an affirmation.

• The AmidahThe Amidah – a series of prayers recited while standing in – a series of prayers recited while standing in silent meditation. On the Sabbath, these praise God for silent meditation. On the Sabbath, these praise God for the rest enjoyed.the rest enjoyed.

• The Torah ServiceThe Torah Service – After the Amidah, a transition to Torah – After the Amidah, a transition to Torah study is made. Primary text is from the Pentateuch. The study is made. Primary text is from the Pentateuch. The Torah is removed from the ark and carried around the Torah is removed from the ark and carried around the synagogue. Many male members kiss it as it is carried.synagogue. Many male members kiss it as it is carried.

• The Torah BlessingsThe Torah Blessings – On the Sabbath, the weekly Torah – On the Sabbath, the weekly Torah is read in seven parts, with a different member reading is read in seven parts, with a different member reading each part. Afterward, two people lift up and wrap the scroll each part. Afterward, two people lift up and wrap the scroll symbolizing the Torah is an open book for all.symbolizing the Torah is an open book for all.


World Religions - JudaismWorld Religions - JudaismWorld Religions - JudaismWorld Religions - Judaism• An Orthodox Synagogue ServiceAn Orthodox Synagogue Service• The HaftarahThe Haftarah – Once the Torah has been removed, a – Once the Torah has been removed, a

selection from the prophets is read reflecting a theme selection from the prophets is read reflecting a theme found in the Torah reading.found in the Torah reading.

• MussafMussaf – An additional service at the end recites the – An additional service at the end recites the Amidah again.Amidah again.

• Mourner’s KaddishMourner’s Kaddish – This Aramaic prayer recited by those – This Aramaic prayer recited by those who have suffered a loss or remembering the anniversary who have suffered a loss or remembering the anniversary of a loss by pledging continued commitment to God.of a loss by pledging continued commitment to God.

• KiddushKiddush – This is a blessing recited over bread and wine – This is a blessing recited over bread and wine to sanctify the day. Afterward, everyone is invited to share to sanctify the day. Afterward, everyone is invited to share a festive luncheon.a festive luncheon.

• A Bar / Bat MitzvahA Bar / Bat Mitzvah means “son / daughter of the means “son / daughter of the commandment.” Celebration that signifies the beginning commandment.” Celebration that signifies the beginning of adult Jewish life and acceptance of the responsibilities of adult Jewish life and acceptance of the responsibilities to oneself, one’s family, and one’s community.to oneself, one’s family, and one’s community.Spring 2011Spring 2011

Crieve Hall church of ChristCrieve Hall church of Christ


• Conservative Judaism Conservative Judaism – Primarily a reaction to the – Primarily a reaction to the perceived excesses of Reform in the late 1800s. perceived excesses of Reform in the late 1800s. Designed to conserve Jewish traditions.Designed to conserve Jewish traditions.

• Torah and Talmud must be followed. Zionism, the Torah and Talmud must be followed. Zionism, the movement to establish a Jewish homeland, is movement to establish a Jewish homeland, is important. Halakah has always evolved to meet the important. Halakah has always evolved to meet the changing needs of Jewish society. Feeling is that changing needs of Jewish society. Feeling is that orthodox views don’t change as much as needed.orthodox views don’t change as much as needed.

• Most parts of the synagogue service is in Hebrew. Most parts of the synagogue service is in Hebrew. Men wear yarmulkes.Men wear yarmulkes.

• Members are encouraged to observe kosher food Members are encouraged to observe kosher food laws, the Sabbath, and holidays.laws, the Sabbath, and holidays.

• Women fill leading roles in the congregation and, Women fill leading roles in the congregation and, starting in 1985, can be ordained as rabbis.starting in 1985, can be ordained as rabbis.



• Conservative Judaism Conservative Judaism – Conservative Judaism – Conservative Judaism maintains that the truths found in Jewish maintains that the truths found in Jewish scriptures and other Jewish writings come from scriptures and other Jewish writings come from God, but were transmitted by humans and God, but were transmitted by humans and contain a human component. contain a human component.

• Conservative Judaism generally accepts the Conservative Judaism generally accepts the binding nature of halakah, but believes that the binding nature of halakah, but believes that the Law should change and adapt, absorbing Law should change and adapt, absorbing aspects of the predominant culture while aspects of the predominant culture while remaining true to Judaism’s values. The idea of remaining true to Judaism’s values. The idea of flexibility is deeply rooted in Conservative flexibility is deeply rooted in Conservative Judaism.Judaism.



• Conservative Judaism Conservative Judaism –– Core values Core values • The Centrality of Modern Israel The Centrality of Modern Israel • Hebrew: The Irreplaceable Language of Jewish Expression Hebrew: The Irreplaceable Language of Jewish Expression • Devotion to the Ideal of Klal Yisrael (the whole community)Devotion to the Ideal of Klal Yisrael (the whole community)• The Defining Role of Torah in the Reshaping of Judaism The Defining Role of Torah in the Reshaping of Judaism • The Study of Torah The Study of Torah • The Governance of Jewish Life by Halakah The Governance of Jewish Life by Halakah • Belief in GodBelief in God• Torah and Mitzvot Torah and Mitzvot • Tolerance and Pluralism Tolerance and Pluralism • ZionismZionism



• Orthodox Jews believe that God gave Moses Orthodox Jews believe that God gave Moses the whole Torah (Written and Oral) at Mount the whole Torah (Written and Oral) at Mount Sinai. Orthodox Jews believe that the Torah Sinai. Orthodox Jews believe that the Torah contains 613 mitzvot (commandments) that contains 613 mitzvot (commandments) that are binding upon Jews. are binding upon Jews.

• Modern Orthodox Jews strictly observe Modern Orthodox Jews strictly observe halakhah (Jewish Law), but still integrate halakhah (Jewish Law), but still integrate into modern society. into modern society.

• Ultra-Orthodox Jews, which includes Ultra-Orthodox Jews, which includes Hasidic Jews, strictly observe Jewish laws Hasidic Jews, strictly observe Jewish laws and do not integrate into modern society by and do not integrate into modern society by dressing distinctively and living separately.dressing distinctively and living separately.

• About 10% of Jewish people in AmericaAbout 10% of Jewish people in AmericaSpring 2011Spring 2011Crieve Hall church of ChristCrieve Hall church of Christ


• Conservative Judaism maintains that the Conservative Judaism maintains that the ideas in the Torah come from God, but ideas in the Torah come from God, but were transmitted by humans and contain were transmitted by humans and contain a human component. Conservative a human component. Conservative Judaism generally accepts the binding Judaism generally accepts the binding nature of halakhah (Jewish Law), but nature of halakhah (Jewish Law), but believes that the Law should adapt, believes that the Law should adapt, absorbing aspects of the predominant absorbing aspects of the predominant culture while remaining true to Judaism's culture while remaining true to Judaism's values. values.

• About 26% of Jewish people in AmericaAbout 26% of Jewish people in America



• Reform Judaism believes that the Torah Reform Judaism believes that the Torah was written by different human sources, was written by different human sources, rather than by God, and then later rather than by God, and then later combined. While Reform Judaism does combined. While Reform Judaism does not accept the binding nature of not accept the binding nature of halakhah (Jewish Law), the movement halakhah (Jewish Law), the movement does retain much of the values and does retain much of the values and ethics of Judaism as well as some of the ethics of Judaism as well as some of the practices and culture. practices and culture.

• About 35% of Jewish people in AmericaAbout 35% of Jewish people in America• Remaining 29% of total are not religiousRemaining 29% of total are not religious• These are estimates of course.These are estimates of course.Spring 2011Spring 2011

Crieve Hall church of ChristCrieve Hall church of Christ


• Overall observationsOverall observations• Great emphasis upon remembering those Great emphasis upon remembering those

who were sick or hurtingwho were sick or hurting• Great emphasis on those who had died Great emphasis on those who had died

by remembering them during the Jewish by remembering them during the Jewish month in which they had died.month in which they had died.

• Very friendly.Very friendly.• See you next week.See you next week.


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