What is the de*inition or characteristics of: - Orthodox - Conservative - Reform (Liberal)
Orthodox: customary or conventional methods that are the approved form of any doctrine, philosophy, ideology, beliefs, attitudes Conservative: preserve existing conditions, institutions or to restore traditional ones and limit change Reform / Liberal: favourable to progress or reform; permitting freedom of action in matter of personal belief or expression; not bound by traditional or conventional ideas or values
Decoding the Puzzle: Jewish Denominations For each of the following, identify columns A,B,C as either Orthodox, Conservative and Reform April 15, 2013
Category A B C God Varied interpretations ranging from supernaturalism to naturalistichumanism. Torah The revealed, but not the literal, word of God, as refracted through human transmission. Jewish Law In favor of tradition, but can change in response to modern needs. Rabbinic rulings are binding A personal deity whose providence is reality Of Divine origin, handed down to Moses on Mount Sinai. Eternal, binding and irrevocable Varied interpretations with latitude for naturalists, supernaturalists or religious humanists. Written by human hands, with Divine inspiration; other viewpoints acceptable. Ethical aspects are God's revelation and binding. Ritual Mitzvot are means of infusing spirituality.
Category Conservative Orthodox Liberal God Varied interpretations ranging from supernaturalism to naturalistichumanism. A personal deity whose providence is reality Varied interpretations with latitude for naturalists, supernaturalists or religious humanists. Torah The revealed, but not the literal, word of God, as refracted through human transmission. Of Divine origin, handed down to Moses on Mount Sinai. Written by human hands, with Divine inspiration; other viewpoints acceptable. Jewish Law In favor of tradition, but can change in response to modern needs. Rabbinic rulings are binding Eternal, binding and irrevocable Ethical aspects are God's revelation and binding. Ritual Mitzvot are means of infusing spirituality.
Category A B C Women Egalitarian in rituals and practices. May be part of a minyan, sit with men in synagogue, serve as cantor, rabbi. Symbolic brit milaequivalent ceremony. Accorded the same role as men in most rituals and practices. May be part of a minyan, sit with men in synagogue, serve as cantor and rabbi. Different roles and obligations from men. Sit separately in synagogue. Rabbi and cantor are male positions. Minyan not relevant to women's worship. Kashruth (Kosher) Encourages study of laws and observances that increase the sanctity of life and relationship with God. An obligation An obligation Divorce Get, divorce document, not required. Get, divorce document, required. Get, divorce document, required.
Category Reform Conservative Orthodox Women Egalitarian in rituals and practices. May be part of a minyan, sit with men in synagogue, serve as cantor, rabbi. Symbolic brit milaequivalent ceremony. Accorded the same role as men in most rituals and practices. May be part of a minyan, sit with men in synagogue, serve as cantor and rabbi. Different roles and obligations from men. Sit separately in synagogue. Rabbi and cantor are male positions. Minyan not relevant to women's worship. Kashruth (Kosher) Encourages study of laws and observances that increase the sanctity of life and relationship with God. An obligation An obligation Divorce Get, divorce document, not required. Get, divorce document, required. Get, divorce document, required.
Category A B C Conversion Requires instruction on Jewish life, and agreement to fulfill the commandments, brit mila and tevila (immersio n in a ritual bath). Procedure is supervised by beit din (court) of three. Requires instruction on Jewish life, an agreement to fulfill the commandments, brit mila and tevila. Procedure is supervised by a beit dinof three. Intermarriage Prohibited. Prohibited. Who is a Jew? Matrilineal descent Matrilineal descent or conversion that includes brit mila and tevila. Requires study, an oral and written declaration of acceptance of Judaism with intention to comply with tenets, before a rabbi and two lay leaders. Brit mila and tevila not required in U.S Generally opposed; there are some rabbis who perform ceremonies. Intermarried welcomed into congregations. One Jewish parent and formal, public identification with faith and people.
Category Orthodox Conservative Reform Conversion Requires instruction on Jewish life, and agreement to fulfill the commandments, brit mila and tevila (immersio n in a ritual bath). Procedure is supervised by beit din (court) of three. Requires instruction on Jewish life, an agreement to fulfill the commandments, brit mila and tevila. Procedure is supervised by a beit dinof three. Intermarriage Prohibited. Prohibited. Who is a Jew? Matrilineal descent Matrilineal descent or conversion that includes brit mila and tevila. Requires study, an oral and written declaration of acceptance of Judaism with intention to comply with tenets, before a rabbi and two lay leaders. Brit mila and tevila not required in U.S Generally opposed; there are some rabbis who perform ceremonies. Intermarried welcomed into congregations. One Jewish parent and formal, public identification with faith and people.