|
||
Definition:
Orthodox Judaism is, with Reform and Conservative, one of the four main branches
of Judaism in the world today. Orthodox Judaism is distinguished from the other two
by strict, literal, and very traditional interpretation and adherence to the Jewish
laws (known as halakah).
Orthodox Jews believe that both the Oral and the Written Torah was given to Moses by God on Mt. Sinai and that in this Torah there are 613 commandments which all Jews must obey to the best of their ability. Unlike other Jewish groups, Orthodox Jews do not accept the idea that there is any human component to the Torah. Thus, it must be treated as the actual words of God just as they stand.
Orthodox Jews are commonly divided into two groups: Orthodox and Ultra-orthodox. The former are the most common and, while they endeavor to obey the commandments as much as possible, they do not allow that to prevent them from integrating into modern society. Ultra-orthodox, however, regard the modern world as not only fallen, but also as an impediment to following the Torah. Thus, they refuse to integrate and hold themselves apart, a society within the larger society.
One of the most common groups of Ultra-orthodox Jews are the Hasidic Jews. It should be remembered that, both Orthodox and Ultra-orthodox Jews do not follow one single governing body or leader. Instead, the terms are really labels of collections of autonomous groups which share the same basic premises about the nature and origin of the Torah.
Although Orthodox Jews regard their movement as simply a continuation of how Judaism has always been since Moses came down from Mt. Sinai, the fact of the matter is Orthodox Judaism is a modern invention. It emerged as the most reactionary product of liberal, modern influences on Jews in Europe.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism? For that matter, what is and is not a religion?What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear.
