Introduction: Why Practices Matter in Judaism

In many religions, what you believe in your heart is the most important thing. However, in Judaism, identity is primarily shaped by what you do. It is often described as a "religion of deed" rather than just a "religion of creed." The way a person eats, prays, and treats others defines their religious identity. This chapter explores how two main branches of Judaism—Orthodox and Reform—use different practices to express who they are.

Think of it like a language: All Jewish people might be speaking the same "language" of Judaism, but Orthodox and Reform Jews speak different "dialects" based on how strictly they follow traditional rules.

1. The Foundation: Mitzvot and Halakhah

To understand Jewish practices, we must understand two key terms:

  • Mitzvot: These are the 613 commandments found in the Torah. They cover everything from how to worship God to how to conduct business.
  • Halakhah: This translates to "the way to walk." It is the collective body of Jewish religious laws derived from the Written and Oral Torah.

Quick Tip: For an A-Level student, it is vital to remember that identity is forged through the tension between tradition and modernity. How much should a Jew change their practice to fit into the modern world?

2. Orthodox Judaism: Practice as Continuity

For Orthodox Jews, religious identity is shaped by a total commitment to the Halakhah. They believe the Torah was given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai (Torah min HaShamayim) and therefore its laws are eternal and unchanging.

Key Features of Orthodox Practice:

  • Strict Adherence to Mitzvot: Orthodox Jews aim to follow all 613 commandments where possible. This includes strict Kashrut (dietary laws) and Shabbat (Sabbath) observance.
  • Traditional Worship: Services are conducted almost entirely in Hebrew. Men and women sit separately in the synagogue (often separated by a screen called a mechitza).
  • The Role of Authority: Practices are governed by Rabbinic authority. If a new technology arrives (like a smartphone), an Orthodox Jew looks to a Rabbi to decide how it fits within Halakhah.

Did you know? In Orthodox practice, identity is often "visible." For example, many men wear a kippah (skullcap) or tzitzit (fringes) as a constant reminder of God’s presence and their specific identity as Jews.

3. Reform Judaism: Practice as Personal Choice

Reform Judaism emerged during the 18th and 19th centuries (linked to the Haskalah or Jewish Enlightenment). For Reform Jews, religious identity is shaped by autonomy—the idea that an individual can choose which practices are meaningful to them.

Key Features of Reform Practice:

  • Ethical Focus: Reform Jews believe the "Prophetic" or ethical teachings of the Torah (like justice and kindness) are more important than ritual laws (like dietary restrictions).
  • Modern Worship: Services are often conducted in the local language (e.g., English) alongside Hebrew. Men and women sit together, and there is an emphasis on musical instruments and shorter prayers.
  • Tikkun Olam: This means "repairing the world." Reform identity is heavily expressed through social action and working for social justice.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't assume Reform Jews "don't care" about the law. They simply view the law as a historical document that needs to be adapted for modern times. They see practice as a choice rather than a commandment.

4. Comparing Expressions of Identity

The following table helps clarify the differences in how these two groups express their identity through practice:

Area of Practice: Dietary Laws (Kashrut)
Orthodox View: Essential. Keeping kosher is a divine decree that separates Jews and keeps them holy.
Reform View: Optional. Many focus on "ethical kashrut" (choosing food based on animal welfare or environmental impact) rather than traditional ritual purity.

Area of Practice: Prayer and Synagogue
Orthodox View: Fixed prayers at specific times. Men lead the services (minyan).
Reform View: Focus on personal meaning. Women can be Rabbis and lead services, reflecting the value of modern equality.

Key Takeaway: While the Orthodox Jew finds identity in consistency with the past, the Reform Jew finds identity in relevance to the present.

Your syllabus requires a comparison of scholars. Here is how they fit into this chapter on practice:

  • Maimonides (12th Century): He codified Jewish law (the Mishneh Torah). He argued that following the Mitzvot is essential for perfecting the soul. His work is the bedrock of Orthodox practice.
  • Moses Mendelssohn (18th Century): He is often seen as the father of the Jewish Enlightenment. While he remained observant himself, he argued that Judaism is a "revealed legislation" but that Jews should also integrate into modern culture. This paved the way for the Reform movement's emphasis on modern identity.

(Note: You will study these thinkers in more depth in the "Works of Scholars" chapter, but remember their names when discussing why practices changed!)

6. Summary and Review

Quick Review Box:
1. Orthodox identity = Obedience to eternal Halakhah + Tradition.
2. Reform identity = Personal choice + Ethical living + Modernity.
3. Common ground = Both use the Torah as a source, but interpret its authority differently.

Self-Test Questions:

1. How does the concept of Torah min HaShamayim influence Orthodox practice?
2. Why might a Reform Jew argue that ethical practices are more important than ritual practices?
3. In what ways does the physical layout of a synagogue express the religious identity of the congregation?

Don't worry if the 613 laws seem overwhelming! You don't need to know them all. Focus on the principle behind why an Orthodox Jew follows them and why a Reform Jew might choose not to.