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Branches Of Judaism

Judaism has four branches to it- Reconstructionist, Reform, Conservative and Orthodox. Each has a different interpretation of the Old Testament, but all basing their belief upon it nevertheless. Here is a page explaining the differences between the branches:

https://judaism.about.com/library/3_intro/l...nominations.htm

I would say the branch I am closest to is reform Judaism. I do not follow the halakhah, nor do I strongly believe in God, and yet I follow much of the Jewish culture and tradition, because it is part of the way I grew up.

Judaism Branches

I have never heard of reconstructionist. Is that a newer sect?

If you are reform, then I assume you don't keep kosher either? Except maybe during passover.

Branches Of Judaism Judaism Studies

I don't think it's that new a sect, but many just group it together with reform, because of their similarities.They both don't believe in the Halakhah, but the reconstructionists, unlike the reform, choose to follow it because it is part of Jewish culture.

Yeah, I don't keep kosher normally, but I do on passover, and sometimes I fast at Yom Kippur if I don't feel too hungry.

Judaism Branches

There are two that you didn't mention.

Humanistic Judaism - which is essentially the same as Reform Judaism but absolutely does not believe in God, and Karaite Judaism (which is almost extinct) which accepts only the Tanach w/o any extra-biblical writings or traditions (I.e. no Mishna, no Gemmarra, No Kabballah, etc.).

Judaism Branches

There is another that most people don't give much thought of because it takes on a different belief all together and that is Christianity. No intellegant person can dispute that Christianity is a branch of Judaism.

Branches Of Judaism

I was just wondering how these different Branches get a long? Are they so at odds that they could eventually split Israel or is it just a matter of varying views?

Offtopic but, That is a very interesting point Zelph and some do consider it that way, but at the same time because Christianity claims ties with the same Old Testament that Judaism subscribes to then it is likely that Christians may see Judaism as a breakaway of Christianity.

Branches Judaism

Name: Justin

Comments: To the guy who said Christianity is a branch of Judaism. I highly agree. I am a messianic Jew, that means I follow Yeshua (Jesus) as my Savior. I keep shabbat, and I have several messianic congregations here in Oklahoma, that I am in touch with. we recently celebrated passover. An interesting thing to read, would be 'The complete Jewish Bible' by dr. stern... Google it.

Source 1: the complete Jewish bible
Source 2: bethjudahmessianic.org/whatis.htm

Branches Judaism Studies Judaism

Name: Gaelen

Comments: Reconstructionist Judaism lets people practice in a way that works for them. We celebrate the beliefs and traditions of Judaism, but we practice the religion in a way that works for us and where we are in our life.