What is the Difference Between Orthodox and Reform Judaism?

The main differences between Orthodox and Reform Judaism lie in their approaches to Jewish law, tradition, and interpretation. Here are some key differences between the two denominations:

1. Approach to Jewish Law: Orthodox Judaism believes that the Torah comes directly from God and cannot be changed, while Reform Judaism sees development in Judaism and believes that Jews should continue to evolve by coming to their own understandings of the Torah.
2. Interpretation: Orthodox Judaism emphasizes the authority of legal tradition, while Reform Judaism asserts the right of interpretation.
3. Customs and Practices: Reform Judaism often adapts traditional Jewish customs and practices to fit contemporary moral ideals. For example, Reform congregations tend to emphasize prophetic themes such as social justice more than Talmudic studies. In contrast, Orthodox Judaism is committed to the strict observance of Jewish customs and law, with a particular emphasis on gender roles, sexuality, food consumption, and Sabbath restrictions.
4. Prayer and Worship: In Reform Judaism, prayers are shorter than those in Orthodox synagogues, and some prayers are read in English rather than Hebrew. Additionally, men and women sit together in Reform synagogues, while they sit separately in Orthodox synagogues.
5. Personal Relationship with God: Reform Judaism encourages a more personal and less mechanistic relationship with God, whereas Orthodox Judaism focuses on the halachah (Jewish law) system, which implies a specific understanding of God.

In summary, while both Orthodox and Reform Judaism share a common foundation in the Torah and Jewish traditions, they differ significantly in their approaches to interpretation, observance, and adaptation of these traditions.

Comparative Table: Orthodox vs Reform Judaism

The main differences between Orthodox and Reform Judaism can be summarized in the following table:

Orthodox Judaism focuses on strict observance of Jewish laws and customs, believing that the Torah comes directly from God and cannot be changed. Reform Judaism, on the other hand, allows for more personal interpretations and adaptations based on contemporary moral ideals, emphasizing the primacy of the Jewish ethical tradition over the obligations of Jewish law.