Diversity of Jews Flashcards
Why is Judaism not as open as Christianity?
Due to God choosing Abraham and his descendants, the religion is a descendancy . You either are or are not.
4 types of Jews?
- Strictly Orthodox : Haredi
- Modern Orthodox
- Progressive Reform/Liberal
- Secular/cultural/ethnic
What does Haredi mean?
‘Those who tremble at the word of God’
How do Haredi act?
Prioritise their love for God, their desire to obey his word and their mitzvah-observing lifestyle above absolutely everything else.
The men will study the Torah and Talmud (oral law) at special colleges and for most of their lives. Their wives will work and take care of the family
What are families like?
- They have large families as God said to go for the and reproduce. Furthermore they aren’t allowed contraception
- Separate boys and girls from the age of 3 and have introduced marriage
How do Haredi Jews view secular society?
Isolate themselves from secular society which they see as a threat
How to recognise a Haredi Jew?
Have peyots (side locks/curls) – have them as one of the mitzvot is ‘don’t cut the corners of your face’
What is the difference between Haredi and Modern Orthodox?
• Unlike Haredi Jews, Modern Orthodox Jews do their best to balance a traditional, mitzvot-observing religious life with active involvement in society – like a working mother balancing mother-hood and work
What do progressive reform/liberal Jews believe?
• Believe that Judaism should keep evolving to adapt to changes in society
What do progressive reform/liberal Jews about the Torah?
Torah was not divine revelation but divine inspiration – this means it may have errors
How do progressive reform/liberal Jews follow the mitzvot?
Each Jew is free to decide for him/herself to obey only the mitzvot each regards as having continuing relevance
( prioritise the ethical mitzvot, man-to-man)
What are secular Jews?
Those born Jewish and are proud of their heritage. They are not committed neither or religious belief or practises
