The Branches of Judaism

In contrast to Christianity, which conceives Jesus Christ as the Messiah so often prophesied about in the Christian's Old Testament, Judaism is based on the precepts of the books of the Tanakh: the writings of Moses (known as the Torah), the teachings of the prophets (known as Nevi'im) and the writings of the ancients (known as Kethuvim). 

The commentaries of the rabbis, found chiefly in the Talmud (compilation of Jewish oral laws and rabbinical teachings), are also instrumental in the Jewish religion. Judaism was first introduced by Greek-speaking Jews to distinguish their civilization from the paganism known as Hellenism and thus designated the religious creed itself. The theological idea of Judaism is purely monotheistic and there has been no deviation in beliefs that there are other deities co-existent with the one true God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

While the Rabbi is considered head of the church as a teacher, scholar or guide, no spokesman is needed. The religious institution of the Judaic faith believes all Jews, through prayer, have access to God. Emphasis is placed on the freedom of man's will and the theory of original sin is rejected.  

Supreme importance is attached to practicing a good and just life, ethical and righteous conduct, prayer and observance of ritual. In the United States of America, Judaism is expressed in three forms which commonly accept the unity of God, the dignity of man, the authority of the Hebrew Bible, and of rabbinic teachings. But, they differ when it comes to practices and interpretation.

Three Branches of Judaism:

Orthodox Judaism - stands fast on tradition which prescripts Jewish custom and belief; faithful to principles and practices as evidenced by devotion and study of the Torah; daily synagogue attendance; strict observance of Sabbath, Holy Days, etc.; and follow dietary laws. (also called Traditional Judaism) For more information, please visit - Orthodox/Traditional Judaism

Conservative Judaism - modified and reinterpreted religious practices of the Jewish life in accordance with historic trends, without molesting the principles of tradition through contemporary conditions. (also called Historic Judaism) for more information, please visit - Conservative/Historic Judaism

Reformed Judaism - a product of the Enlightenment, this branch minimizes rituals, narrows chain of tradition and emphasizes ethical monotheism of prophetic teachings; religious worship adapted from Orthodox Judaism to meet demands of contemporary life, frequently affected religious law and custom to contemporary judgment. (also called Liberal Judaism) For more information, please visit - Reformed/Liberal Judaism

Judaism is basically the sum total of the scrupulous philosophy of the ancients and the experience of the Jewish people, as expressed in their sacred literature and developed during the many centuries of their existence. Today, the religion of Judaism is practiced worldwide. However, the largest Judaism sect can be found in Israel and the United States of America.