faithsJudaism

FaithsJudaism refers to the spectrum of beliefs, traditions, and movements that collectively constitute Judaism. While rooted in ancient Israelite religion and rabbinic tradition, Jewish communities differ in theology, law, and practice, resulting in several distinctive streams.

Orthodox Judaism upholds traditional Jewish law (halakha) as binding and continuous, with communities that range from Modern Orthodox to Haredi. Practitioners typically observe Sabbath and dietary laws, participate in synagogue life, and follow a structured approach to lifecycle rites.

Conservative (Masorti) Judaism seeks a middle ground, preserving halakha while permitting historical development in interpretation and practice. It emphasizes communal authority and evolving understandings of legal rulings, aiming to balance tradition with modern scholarship.

Reform Judaism prioritizes ethical monotheism and individual conscience, often adapting liturgy, philosophy, and ritual to contemporary life. Services may be conducted in local languages, and there is greater flexibility in observance and the interpretation of divine law.

Reconstructionist Judaism views Judaism as an evolving religious civilization. It emphasizes community, culture, and democratic decision-making, with a range of theological perspectives about God and revelation.

Renewal and Jewish Renewal movements blend traditional practices with modern spirituality, emphasizing mysticism, gender equality, inclusivity, and creative liturgy.

Humanistic Judaism centers Jewish identity on culture, history, and ethical living, often without supernatural beliefs, while still sustaining Jewish communal life and ritual.

Geography and institutions shape these expressions: in Israel, religious pluralism interacts with state policy; in the diaspora, conversion, marriage, and ritual practices vary across movements. Core texts include the Hebrew Bible and rabbinic literature, with liturgical and educational differences reflecting each stream.