Judaism

The key factor among all Jews is a belief in one God. They believe the Messiah is coming and the Torah is the holy book. According to the Rabbi that I interviewed Judaism is more than a religion - he believes it is closer to a civilization or culture. It is a way of life with its own history, language, music, art, and foods. Orthodox, Conservative, and Reformed Judaism share the same rituals but the theology is different. ORTHODOX - strives to preserve traditional Jewish culture and religion. They practice strict following of the nature of biblical and Talmudic Judaism. They stress the kosher food laws and the strict observance of the Sabbath. Men and women are separated in the synagogue and both men and women must cover their heads. Hebrew is the only language spoken during their service. CONSERVATIVE - this falls in between Orthodox and Reformed Judaism. It is firmly rooted in the rabbinical tradition but it is more relaxed when it comes to religious practices than the Orthodox movement. Conservatives tend to worship on Saturday morning. Men and women cover their heads during worship. Many conservatives attempt to follow the biblical and Talmudic laws regulating food and Sabbath observance. In its service the vernacular is used more than Hebrew. REFORMED - also follows the traditional Jewish values but it attempts to be as modern as possible in its beliefs and practices. They usually worship on Friday evening in a temple. Men and women sit together with their heads uncovered. The vernacular is used throughout the service with Hebrew only spoken occasionally. Also in Reformed and Conservative Judaism women can become Rabbis.