Jewish Sects

Hasidic

Hasid means “pious one”. began in Eastern Europe. It stresses personal experience in worship. They follow all orthodox laws. Each group is centered on the teachings of a particular Rebbe. They read the bible as the literal word God

Orthodox

Interpret the Torah literally. They accept Jewish law and teachings as binding. They are strict on kosher and dietary laws. They use Hebrew prayers. Men and women worship separately

Shabbat

see these requirements as an opportunity to do God’s will and to lift Shabbat above the ordinary course of life. They believe observing the rules helps a person be constantly mindful of the purpose of Shabbat

Conservative

Believes that Jewish law should be continually examined to meet the needs of every new generation. They dress traditionally just during services. No separation of genders. Accepts most Jewish laws and teachings as binding. Subscribed to the divine authority of the Torah but they also accept biblical scholarship

Shabbat

interpret these requirements more loosely. For example, they will switch on lights and drive to synagogue

Reform

The emphasis in Reform Judaism is on ethics: how a Jew should behave The Torah is not considered as divinely revealed Limited use of the Hebrew language No strict observances of dietary laws Encourages women and men to conform to the same standards of ethical practice, ritual, behaviour, and study It pioneered the ordination of women as rabbis

Shabbat

do not feel obligated by these rules, but many still observe Shabba