Variants in Judaism

What is a Variant?

Two or more people or things that have slight differences in opinions.

The three major variants or streams in Judaism are Conservative, Orthodox and Reform (Liberal or Progressive)

Orthodox:

·         Very strict/many rules

·         Men and women do not sit together in synagogues

·         Women do not participate in some rituals

·         They wear long black coats, kippahs and have long beards

·         Speak in Hebrew

·         Following kosher dietry laws

·         Do not marry to other religions

Conservative:

·         Moderate

·         Believe Jewish laws can be changed

·         Women and men separates in synagogue

·         Men and women are allowed to sit together during prayer and synagogue services

·         Believes that God's will is made known to humanity through revelation.

Progressive:

·         Relatively new (19^th century)

·         Regards the torah as able to evolve/adapt to the modern world.

·         Allowed to marry other religions

Can you categorise these statements?

1)      Relaxed and fits into society      P

2)      Individual praying and occasional conversation in services     P

3)      Traditional beliefs but addressing contemporary needs     C

4)      Men and women sit separately in the synagogue      O

5)      Men and women sit together and participate fully in service, prayers and rituals      P/C

6)      Women do not practice in all rituals     O

7)      English used for part of service      P

8)      Strict dress and dietry law     O

9)      Always worship in Hebrew     O

10)   Women can lead services and can become rabbis      P