Hasidic Judaism

As a scholar of modern Jewish history, religion and politics, I am often asked to explain the differences between Judaism’s major denominations. Here is a very brief overview:

Rabbinic roots

• After the Romans destroyed the Jerusalem Temple in 70 C.E., one main group, who called themselves “rabbis” – sages or teachers – began to dominate.
• What we now know as “Judaism” grew out of this group, technically called “Rabbinic Judaism.” Rabbinic Judaism believed that God gave Jewish teachings and scriptures to Moses at Mt.
• This corpus became the foundation of rabbinic literature.

Historic turning point

• For example, starting in the Middle Ages, a Jewish group called the Karaites challenged the rabbis’ authority by rejecting the oral Torah.
• Still, Rabbinic Judaism remained a more or less united religious community for some 1,500 years – until the 19th century.
• Meanwhile, thousands – eventually millions – of Jews moved to the United States, which likewise offered equal citizenship.

Three major groups

• Each group claimed that they followed the best or most authentic traditions of Judaism.
• The first modern denomination to organize was Reform – first in Germany in the early 19th century, but soon in America as well.
• Orthodox Judaism soon organized in reaction to Reform, rallying to defend the strict observance of Jewish customs and law.
• In practice, most Conservative Jews tend not to be strict about even major rituals, like observing Sabbath restrictions or kosher food practices.

From Orthodox to ultra-Orthodox

• Of all the Jewish denominations, the Orthodox groups are perhaps most misunderstood.
• They all share a commitment to Jewish law – especially regarding gender roles and sexuality, food consumption and Sabbath restrictions – but there are many divisions, generally categorized on a spectrum from “modern” to “ultra” Orthodox.
• The ultra-Orthodox, on the other hand – sometimes called “Haredim” or Haredi Jews – advocate segregation from the outside world.
• Not only has Orthodox Judaism innovated many rituals and teachings, but people today have greater awareness that other types of life are available – creating a firm break with the traditional world Orthodoxy claims to perpetuate.

Becoming a nation

• Inspired by nationalist movements around them, they claimed that Jews constituted a modern nation, rather than just a religion.
• Reform Jews and even some early Orthodox Jews worried that defining Jews as a “nation” would undermine their claim to equal citizenship in other countries.
• Still, most ultra-Orthodox Jews today continue to oppose Zionist ideology, even as they hold right-wing political views on Israel.
• Either way, Orthodoxy is going to continue to play a very important role in Jewish life for many years to come.

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