Orthodox vs Reform Judaism
The religion of Judaism has had a tumultuous graph with many traditions emerging out of the same religion that had attempted to explain various Jewish traditions in a different manner and perspective. Reform and Orthodox are thus two of the very prominent branches of the same religion that attempt to explain the Jewish identity in different ways. While Orthodox Judaism is considered to be traditional and strict, Reform Judaism, which began as late as 19th century tried to reshape Judaism into a modern religion. This difference between orthodox and reform judaism is explained in this article.
What is Orthodox Judaism?
Orthodox Jews believe that the Bible is God’s own book and that Torah is oral communication between God and Moses on Mount Sinai more than two thousand years ago. This communication formed the basis of the Orthodox Judaism, and most of the traditions and customs of Judaism are based upon Torahs. Jews have believed in Orthodox Judaism for more than two thousand years. According to this branch, oral traditions were received by Moses from God at Mount Sinai in 1312 BC, and these traditions have been passed down the generations as being sacred and God’s own words.
What is Reform Judaism?
Mostly spread in the United Kingdom, North America and elsewhere Reform Judaism believes that the religion and its traditions should be modernized according to the surrounding culture. Reform Judaism does not believe in the divinity of Torahs, and believe them to be human creations. Reform Judaism also does not believe sacred texts to be sacrosanct and devalued them to a great extent.The reform movement was initiated by Moses Mendelssohn in 18th century. Though, he never publicly rejected Torahs or said anything about the divinity of oral traditions, four out of his six children converted to Christianity. One of his greatest students, David Friedlander, asked for permission to be allowed to be converted to Christianity, but set out on reforming Judaism when his application for conversion was rejected. Reform group declared that Torah and the Talmud are not divine texts and they also refused to believe that the Bible is God’s work. Thus, Reform Judaism is the first group in the 3100 years of Judaism to deny the divine origin of Torahs. It also rejected Mesorah. The reform movement has been continuing since 18th century, and after Germany, it spread to America when in 1850, Isaac Myer Wise declared that he did not believe in Messiah or resurrection of body.
What is the difference Between Orthodox and Reform Judaism?
• Orthodox Jews strictly believes in Torahs, Bible and in the concepts of Messiah, a savior that is yet to come.
• Reform Judaism, though reveres the writing of sages throughout the ages, does not believe in the divinity of Torahs and other texts and does not believe them to be infallible.
• Men and women are not segregated in Reform Judaism when it comes to worship, while they are segregated in Orthodox Judaism
• This segregation is based on the belief that women are impure during menstruation.Orthodox Judaism also believes women to be a distraction for men from the focus of worship
• Orthodox Judaism does not allow women to become Rabbis, whereas Reform Judaism allows equal participation of women in religion.
• Orthodox Judaism is conservative and strict in its approach, while Reform Judaism is progressive and liberal in its approach.
Although both Orthodox Judaism and Reform Judaism remain within the same religion, Orthodox Judaism is distancing itself from Reform Judaism in many respects. This schism is likely to widen in the coming years.
Photos By: Astaf antman (CC BY 2.0), Lawrie Cate (CC BY 2.0)