Judaism

[izzieamy]

Before people say i think you've done this in the wrong topic, i know i have i couldn't find a religion section.
anyway ...

I need help with a question ...
Explain how the differing worship and lifestyles between Reform and neo orthodox jewish groups may reflect and assist belief.

PLEASE HELP ...............SOOOOOOOO STUCK


Thanks x x x

[naomi24]

You haven't got the wrong section - this is Religion & Spirituality.

I won't attempt to answer your question, because I think Lonnie will be far more able, so I'll leave it to him.

[izzieamy]

sorry i copied and pasted it from another section.
can someone pleaseeeeeee help me im desperate ....

[Clanad]

Although I'm not Lonnie, nor a member of the People of the Book at least by birth, let me simply state that the differences between the two branches if you will, of the same tree originated near the destruction of the Second Temple in A.D. 70.

Basically, the Reform Jewish tradition finds deep meaning in the Torah (and Tanakh, containing the Nevi'im and Ketuvim) but applies if in a more spiritual manner to their lives: i.e. not literal nor infallible. On the other hand, the Orthodox adherent finds, in nearly the same scriptures (Canonized in 435 A.D.) a spiritual, but literal interpretation.

This produces a more severe (my term) interpretation and, hence, life style and philosophy within the Orthodox community than the Reformed.

This, then, has the effect of one tradition being highly detailed and focused (Orthodox), while the other (Reformed) allows a great deal of room for individuals to develop their personal beliefs within the context of the history, rabbinical teachings and the Torah.

There are other, nearly equal in import, diferences, but this is a capsulized view on my part.

Hopefully, Lonnie or another will further illuminate the historical differences... Best of luck! And... Shalom!...

[Lonnie]

Thanks for your reference naomi, i've just seen this post,

Clanad, <b/>a very good answer, as usual, i'll try and go a bit further, while at the same time, as short as possible.

Obviously, the lifestyles and worship of the two groups are seperate, but interlinked within themselves.

eg, Orthodoxy does not allow the worship together of male and female, Reform does, Orthodoxy, during the females menstrual cycle deems the female 'unclean', therefore she has to sleep in a seperate bed/room, and use a 'Mikva' to regain their cleanliness, (bath or washing bowl) Reform doesn't.

Ultra-Othodoxy, eg Hassidims,generally do not recognise Reform Jews as Jews.

Ortodox Jews tend to keep to themselves more than Reform,

I'm afraid there's so much to answer on a question like this one, i'll stop there, but if you want any speciifics, please come back, and i'm sure I can lean on Clanad to help out.