Who is Followed in Judaism?
Judaism is one of humanity’s oldest faiths. It has a long and complex history that spans many centuries and has gone through a number of changes and shifts in its adherents, beliefs, and practices over the years. Therefore, understanding who is followed in Judaism is an important factor in understanding the faith. This article will delve into the history of Judaism and the people who practice the faith today.
Judaism originated in the ancient Middle East, more than 3,000 years ago. Initially, it was monotheistic and focused on a single deity, known as Yahweh or God. Over the centuries, Judaism evolved and changed, sprouting a variety of sects, each with its own traditions, focus, and practices. These include Reform Judaism, Conservative Judaism, Reconstructionist Judaism, and Orthodox Judaism.
Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people. Jews consider themselves to be both a nation and a distinct religious group. As a result, the number of people who identify as Jewish and practice the faith fluctuates widely. According to the Pew Research Center, in 2018, there were an estimated 14.5 million Jews in the world, with around 8 million living in the United States and 6.5 million living in Israel.
There are also numerous ethnic and cultural groups within the larger Jewish population. This includes Ashkenazi Jews, Mizrahi Jews, Sephardic Jews, and many more. There are also fewer, but still significant, Jewish populations living in Central and Eastern Europe, Oceania, Asia, and Africa.
In the United States, Jews can be found in practically every state and ethnic background. American Jews generally come from diverse backgrounds and observance levels, ranging from Reform Jews to some who practice Karaite Judaism, which rejects the teachings of the Talmud and other Rabbinic literature. As a result, there is no single answer to the question of who is followed in Judaism.
Despite these differences, there is a set of religious laws and customs known as the Halakha that binds all Jews, regardless of their sect or ethnicity. The Halakha is based on the Torah, the Jewish holy book, and is interpreted and observed differently by various Jewish groups. Additionally, Jewish faith is based on commandments and observances, such as the Sabbath, kashrut, and ethics, which bring Jews together.
At its most basic level, Jews are connected through their shared belief in monotheism, their commitment to a moral code, and their willingness to live according to the dictates of the Halakha. As such, the answer to the question of who is followed in Judaism is ultimately that all Jews follow the teachings of the Torah and the practice of the Jewish faith.
Orthodox Judaism
Orthodox Judaism is a branch of Judaism that adheres to the most traditional interpretations of Jewish law, as outlined in the Talmud and other pre-modern sources. An estimated 10 percent of the world’s global Jewish population identifies as Orthodox. In the United States, this group makes up around 40 percent of the country’s Jewish population.
For Orthodox Jews, following the laws of the Talmud and exercising strict observance of Jewish law is essential. Orthodox Jews strive to observe virtually all of the 613 mitzvot or Torah commandments, ranging from abstaining from work on Sabbath to wearing a tallit, or prayer shawl, and paying tithes. In addition, Orthodox Jews take a literal interpretation of the Scripture and believe that the Torah is divinely inspired, without any alteration.
The Orthodox practice a more ritualized form of Judaism, which revolves around the synagogue, sacred rituals, and the study of Jewish texts. It also calls for a traditional family life, where two married people strive to build a Jewish home according to the teachings of the Torah. This includes the observance of special holidays, such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Hanukkah.
Reform Judaism
Reform Judaism is a liberal, progressive approach to Jewish life and is the largest Jewish denomination in the United States. It holds that Jews can remain connected to their cultural and religious heritage, while at the same time living in the modern world. Its adherents embrace modern society and its values, while also striving to promote Jewish values and ethics through moral and spiritual practices.
Reform Jews embrace a philosophy of tolerance. They also strive to recognize the full human experience, including its joys and challenges, freedoms and limitations. This respect for human dignity and sanctity is a cornerstone of Reform life. Reform Jews generally encourage diversity, open education, and equality for all.
Reform Judaism places less emphasis on traditional observance, such as kashrut, prayer, and the study of Jewish texts. Instead, it focuses more on the ethical and moral teachings of Judaism, such as providing social justice, protecting the environment, following a path of kindness and compassion, and living a life of purpose.
Conservative Judaism
Conservative Judaism is a modern interpretation of traditional Jewish observance. It is a bridge between Orthodoxy and Reform Judaism, and is rooted in the traditional Jewish teachings and observance. Conservative Jews strive to combine traditional observance with the enlightenment of modernity.
The core philosophy of Conservative Judaism is the regulative principle of minhag. This means that Jews should observe what is customary in their particular community. This practice encourages its adherents to be familiar with the traditional customs, while allowing them to adapt them to their particular local or individual circumstances.
Conservative Judaism places emphasis on study and education. It also promotes a set of core values and beliefs, such as a commitment to Jewish values, social justice, a commitment to peace, and a belief in the unity of the Jewish people. Additionally, Conservative Judaism strives to foster community through its commitment to education and social events.
Reconstructionist Judaism
Reconstructionist Judaism is a relatively new religious movement founded in the early 20th century by Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan. It seeks to combine traditional Jewish beliefs and observances with modern values and culture. It is based on the idea that, rather than separating faith from modern life, the two should be intertwined.
Reconstructionist Jews place a strong emphasis on the experiential aspect of faith. They believe that religion should be a living, vibrant source of meaningful experience, rather than an antiquated set of beliefs and practices.
Reconstructionist Judaism also encourages its adherents to create their own interpretations of Jewish tradition, rather than relying solely on traditional interpretations. This allows its members to bring meaning to the text, while being open to new interpretations and creative approaches.
Humanistic Judaism
Humanistic Judaism is a movement founded in the 1960s by Rabbi Sherwin Wine and centers on the idea that the Jewish people is a cultural and ethical community, rather than a religious one. For Humanistic Jews, Jewish culture, and its ethical and moral teachings, rather than Orthodox practice, is the primary factor in creating a meaningful Jewish identity.
Humanistic Judaism seeks to explore Jewish identity through a modern and humanistic lens. It encourages its adherents to explore their identity through meaningful experiences, such as taking part in social justice initiatives and creating a sense of community with other Jews. Additionally, Humanistic Judaism places great importance on the celebration of Jewish holidays and festivals.
Humanistic Jews strive to be inclusive of a variety of viewpoints and strive for a socially just society. They also support the freedom of choice and believe in the inherent dignity of all human beings. Ultimately, Humanistic Judaism seeks to serve as a “living bridge” between the Jewish past and the Jewish present.
