“Judaism was not a religion but a law.” - Moses Mendelssohn.
In this project I will focus on the religion of Judaism and more importantly those who follow it. I shall do this by effectively exploring and analysing topics such as: The origins of the religion, what their beliefs include, what practices they incorporate as well as what festivals they celebrate. I shall do this by researching and evaluating some of the holy scriptures they study, interviews with leaders of the synagogue and more.
Jews are the followers of the religion of Judaism which originated over four thousand years ago in and around Israel. Currently there are around 14,707,400 practising Jews which take residence all around the world, however there are particular hotspots in certain areas where the community focused followers of Judaism congregate for example in Israel and France. There are different divisions and types of Jews as with any religion. This means that although two people may identify as Jewish they may have completely different practices and beliefs. The three different types are called:
Orthodox, reform and liberal. Orthodox - this is the oldest form and was the only form of Judaism until the 18th century. It is seen as the most traditional form of Judaism and it focuses on living as the Torah advises. As of today they make up the biggest group of the Jewish population in the UK. They believe that God gave Moses the Torah in Mount Sinai and attempt to follow the 613 MITZVOT as closely as possible (these are the rules on how Jews should live their lives and what they should and should not do) one example of this is rule 108; that one should not travel outside of their home on Shabbat. This may be carefully adhered to by orthodox Jews but ignored or altered to suit modern employment for more liberal Jews. These types of Jews believe that although the world changes and progresses their beliefs and practices should remain as they once were.
Reform Jews are different and more progressive with the ever changing modern world. They believe that the practices of Judaism should be appropriately infused with modern life. They believe that only the ethical rules in the Torah should be adhered to and do not focus on the practical rules as much as orthodox Jews do. They interpret the Torah in perceptive terms rather than in literal terms and alter their take on the rules and content to suit modern life and the community they reside in. For example they would adhere to treating people with kindness and not celebrating any other God however they may decide to work or complete activities on Shabbat.
Liberal Judaism is the most progressive form of modern Judaism. They again focus on the ethical rules and interpret everything in their own way to support their morals. They believe that Jewish rules should be modernised and every Jew should have the ability to follow as little or as many traditional practices as they wish with the same integrity and should not be pressured into focusing on traditional practices that are no longer “normal” in modern society.
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Judaism Vs. Orthodox.
(2022, February 17). Edubirdie. Retrieved December 22, 2024, from https://edubirdie.com/examples/judaism-vs-orthodox/
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Judaism Vs. Orthodox [Internet]. Edubirdie.
2022 Feb 17 [cited 2024 Dec 22].
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