Many are curious about the differences between Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism, which represent varying approaches to how strictly Jewish law should be followed in modern times.

Orthodox Judaism

Orthodox Judaism is the most traditional branch. It is rooted in the belief that the Torah was given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai and that its laws are eternal and binding. 

• Approach to Law: Halakha is viewed as unchanging. Modernity is adapted to fit the law, rather than the law being changed to fit modern times.

• Practice: Strict adherence to dietary laws (Kosher), the Sabbath, and daily prayer. Services are conducted entirely in Hebrew, and men and women usually sit separately.  

Reform Judaism

Reform Judaism, the largest denomination in the U.S., emphasizes the evolving nature of the faith. It views the Torah as a living document written by people inspired by God, rather than a direct dictation. 

• Approach to Law: Individual autonomy is central. Observance of specific laws is seen as a personal choice rather than a divine requirement.

• Practice: Great emphasis is placed on Tikkun Olam (repairing the world/social justice). Services often include English, musical instruments, and gender-neutral language. Men and women sit together and have equal roles in leadership.  

Conservative Judaism

Conservative Judaism seeks a "middle ground" between the tradition of Orthodoxy and the modernization of Reform. It holds that Jewish law is binding but also subject to historical development. 

• Approach to Law: The movement believes that while the law is divine in origin, it can be reinterpreted by scholars to reflect contemporary life and scientific knowledge.  

• Practice: Services are primarily in Hebrew but may include some English. Like Reform, men and women sit together, and women are ordained as rabbis. However, there is a stronger emphasis on traditional observance (like keeping Kosher) than in the Reform movement. 

This is a far more difficult question than you might expect. Judaism has no dogma, no formal set of beliefs that one must hold to be a Jew. In Judaism, actions are far more important than beliefs, although there is certainly a place for belief within Judaism

The closest that anyone has ever come to creating a widely-accepted list of Jewish beliefs is Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, one of the greatest medieval Jewish scholars, better known to the secular world as Maimonides. He came up with thirteen principles of faith. These principles, which Maimonides thought were the minimum requirements of Jewish belief, are:

1. G-d exists
2. G-d is one and unique
3. G-d is incorporeal
4. G-d is eternal
5. Prayer is to be directed to G-d alone and to no other
6. The words of the prophets are true
7. Moses' prophecies are true, and Moses was the greatest of the prophets
8. The Written Torah (first 5 books of the Bible) and Oral Torah (teachings now contained in the Talmud and other writings) were given to Moses
9. There will be no other Torah
10. G-d knows the thoughts and deeds of men
11. G-d will reward the good and punish the wicked
12. The"Messiah"will come
13. The dead will be resurrected

People often ask if it’s just a party. It is actually a rite of passage occurring at age 12 or 13, marking when a child becomes responsible for observing the commandments (Mitzvot)