Orthodox Judaism

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Orthodox vs. other Branches

Orthodox Judaism continues the traditional Jewish beliefs and way of life. Orthodox Jews believe that God revealed the laws of the Torah and the Talmud directly to Moses on Mount Sinai. They strictly follow all traditional Jewish laws and pray three times daily. Men wear hats called yarmulkas or kipot at all times as a sign of respect to God. On the other hand, Reform Jews question traditional beliefs and feel that Jewish rituals are not obligations and can be decided by humans. Also, they believe that the laws of the Talmud are human creation rather than divine creation. Like Reform Jews, Conservative Jews also believe that Jewish practices can be changed. The main difference between Orthodox Jews and the other branches of Judaism is whether they follow traditional beliefs.

Comparison chart of the branches

Demographics

In America, about 10% of the five million Jews are Orthodox. There are about two million Orthodox Jews in the world.

Percentages of the sects of Judaism in the world (2007)

Differences between Religions

Where the religions are located

Judaism differs from Christianity and Islam by the prophet, scripture, sects or branches, holy city, perspective on Jesus, house of worship, and the main day of worship.

The prophet

Judaism: Moses
Christianity: Jesus Christ
Islam: Muhammad

The scripture

Judaism: Torah
Christianity: Bible
Islam: Qur'an

The sects or branches

Judaism: Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox
Christianity: Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant
Islam: Sunni and Shia

Holy city

Judaism: Jerusalem
Christianity: Jerusalem
Islam: Mecca

Perspective on Jesus

Judaism: not the Messiah
Christianity: son of God
Islam: prophet before Muhammad, highly respected

House of worship

Judaism: Synagogue
Christianity: Church or Cathedral
Islam: Mosque

Main day of worship

Judaism: Saturday
Christianity: Sunday
Islam: Friday

Development of Orthodox Judaism

Star of David

Orthodox Judaism was established in mid 19th-century central Europe in reaction to the radical changes to tradition by Reform Judaism. Traditionalist rabbis in Germany and Hungary refused to be associated with the Reform movement which led to the development of Orthodox Judaism. The rapid spread of the haskalah, or Jewish enlightenment in western Europe, followed by the Reform movement's success, developed the conservative and separationist ideology that came to define Orthodox Judaism.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Traditions and Rituals

The traditions and rituals are Brit Hayyim, Bar Mitzvah, and Kiddushin.

Brit Hayyim is a naming ceremony for baby girls which takes place on the eighth day of life.
Bar Mitzvah is a ceremony for thirteen year old boys which marks the boy's entry into the community as an adult.
Kiddushin is a Jewish marriage ceremony that takes place under a huppah and includes the ritual of breaking of a glass underfoot.

Bar Mitzvah cake

Holy Book and Holy Days

Orthodox Judaism followers use the Torah as their holy book. The holy days include Hanukkah, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur.

Hanukkah is the celebration of the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrians in the second century B.C.E.. It occurs in late November to mid December and is also known as the Festival of Lights.
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year which occurs in mid September/October.
Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement and occurs after Rosh Hashanah. Followers do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. This time is used to repent for actions of the past year.

Video Links:
http://www.5min.com/Video/Learn-About-Judaism-38365895
http://www.contentdeity.com/video/38366114/The-Jewish-Festival-of-Hanukkah.html
http://www.5min.com/Video/Learn-About-the-Jewish-Holiday-of-Yom-Kippur-38366375
http://www.5min.com/Video/Learn-About-the-Jewish-Festival-of-Rosh-Hashanah-38366469

Place of Worship

Synagogue

Orthodox Judaism followers go to a synagogue. Many synagogues contain a school and a social hall. Some synagogues have athletic facilities, lecture halls, swimming pools, and cultural centers. Most synagogues are constructed so worshipers face toward the holy city of Jerusalem during services. A synagogue always contains an ark where the Torah scrolls are kept. Above or in front of the ark hangs the eternal light, an electric or oil lamp whose constant flame symbolizes God's eternal presence.