There is only one Judaism, just different approaches to it. Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative –all are attempts to change Judaism in order to try to assimilate into modern, Western society. Where there is a conflict between Judaism and modern society’s values, they go against Judaism. Conservative tries to be a watered-down version of Judaism. Reconstructionist tries to observe traditions without spirituality. Reform tries to assimilate on all fronts while keeping the semblance of Judaism. Orthodox–all fully observe Judaism. Modern orthodox–tries to observe Judaism while being open to aspects of modern society that do not conflict with it. Charedi/so-called “Ultra Orthodox” –tries to observe and preserve Judaism by shunning most of modern society’s influence. Chassidic- more emotional, esoteric spiritual approach, Litvish –more reserved, serious spiritual approach. Sephardi/Ashkenazi–Different customs based on where the population lived. Ashkenazi- North, Central, East Europe Sephardi-Southern Europe, Middle East, North Africa
Menu