Orthodox Judaism

Orthodox Judaism is the stream of Judaism which adheres to a relatively strict interpretation and application of the laws and ethics first canonized in the Talmud ("The Oral Law") and later codified in the Shulkhan Arukh ("Code of Jewish Law"). It is governed by these works and all the Rabbinical commentary and further codification of them written throughout the last millennium. The role of Rabbi in Orthodox Judaism is to interpret and apply classical Rabbinical rulings and logic to any given question or situation.

Related Topics:
Judaism - Talmud - Shulkhan Arukh - Rabbinical commentary - Rabbi

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Orthodox Jews believe that the Torah, including both the Written Law and the Oral Law, was given directly from God to Moses and can never be altered or rejected in any way. There are other central Principles of Faith important, but not unique to, Orthodox Jews.

Related Topics:
Torah - Oral Law - God - Moses - Principles of Faith

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While belief in the divinity of the Torah and the right of the Sages and Rabbis to fully interpret and apply it is the primary unifying tenet of Orthodox Judaism, Orthodox Jews can be classified into several subgroups. The greatest differences are over the degree to which an Orthodox Jew should integrate and/or disengage from modern secular society. Other important topics of debate are 1) the relative value of Torah study versus secular studies or other pursuits, 2) the importance of a central spiritual guide (outside of Halakhic decision), 3) the importance of maintaining non-Halakhic customs, such as dress, language, and music, and 4) the relationship of the modern state of Israel to Judaism.

Related Topics:
Halakhic - Israel - Judaism

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Some subgroups of Orthodoxy are Modern Orthodox Judaism, Haredi Judaism, and Hasidic Judaism. Modern Orthodoxy advocates increased integration with non-Jewish society and downplays the importance of Torah study for lay people. Religious Zionism, characterized by belief in the importance of the modern state of Israel to Judaism, often intersects with Modern Orthodoxy. Haredi Judaism advocates segregation from non-Jewish culture, although not from non-Jewish society entirely. It also strongly advocates Torah study for all Jews. Hasidic Judaism places great emphasis on all Jewish traditions, including mystical ones, and prefers absolute separation from all non-Jewish society. Haredi and Hasidic Judaism are at best ambivalent about the modern state of Israel.

Related Topics:
Modern Orthodox Judaism - Haredi Judaism - Hasidic Judaism - Religious Zionism - Torah study - Mystical

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