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What distinguishes a Reform Jew from an Orthodox Jew?
Ramona Kling
According to FAQs.org, "Reform differs from the other major movements in that it views both the Oral and Written laws as a product of human hands (specifically, it views the Torah as Divinely inspired, but written in the language of the time in which it was given). The laws reflect their times, but contain many timeless truths. The Reform movement stresses retention of the key principles of Judaism (as it sees them; for details, consult the [5]Reform Reading List). As for practice, it strongly recommends individual study of the traditional practices; however, the adherent is free to follow only those practices that increase the sanctity of their relationship to G-d. Reform also stresses equality between the sexes."
Thus, Reform Jews may be more lax in following Torah and Talmud-based halakhah whereas Orthodox Jews would not be as, if at all, lax in any way, shape, or form in following Torah and Talmud.
Wiki User
β 12y ago
Anonymous
Orthodox Jews consider themselves bound by the 613 commandments in the Torah as understood by the unbroken chain of rabbinic tradition stretching from biblical times to the present. Reform Jews understand that these commandments are historically interesting but focus on the ethical message underlying these commandments and do not necessarily feel bound by commandments that have no discernible ethical basis. So, Orthodox Jews generally keep kosher far more carefully than Reform Jews, and Orthodox Jews are generally strict about their definition of what constitutes work on the Sabbath, while Reform Jews focus on the day of rest as a day of rest and do whatever seems restful. Orthodox Jews generally accept traditions about separation of sex roles, while Reform Jews generally reject sexual segregation and allow women to serve as rabbis. Note that the third primary stream in American Judaism, the Conservative movement, follows a middle path between Orthodoxy and Reform.
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Is it harder to be a reform jew or a normal jew?
The term "normal Jew" has no actual meaning.If the question intends to ask about the differences between Reform Jews and Orthodox Jews, there are certainly more requirements and difficulties inherent in being an Orthodox Jew.
Can Orthodox Jews marry Jews from different branches?
Yes. My maternal grandmother was Orthodox and married a Reform Jew and she switched to Reform Judaism.
Is it easier to be a Reform Jew than Orthodox in the UK?
Reform Judaism is the most lenient branch of Judaism, no matter where you live.
Does a reform Jew need to prove Orthodox ancestry to be accepted as Orthodox?
No. Any Jew may become Orthodox, by dint of observing the Torah. It would be a good idea to have the counsel of other Orthodox Jews or a Rabbi; and to join a congregation. The above applies also to any former non-Jew who has converted to Judaism according to Jewish law.
How to convert from Orthodox Judaism to Reform Judaism?
Technically, there is no conversion required for the vast majority of Orthodox Jews who might want to be accepted into a Reform congregation. If an Orthodox Jew shows up in a Reform congregation and takes part in a service, they will be counted as fully Jewish without question. The great difficulties come when Reform Jews get interested in Orthodox Judaism, because Reform accepts as Jews people who are not considered as Jews by the Orthodox -- The Orthodox to not recognize the legitimacy of Reform conversions nor do they recognize as Jews those who claim Jewish status through patrilineal descent.(OK, there is one difficult class where Reform Jews might ask for conversion. The child of a Jewish mother and a non-Jewish father who grew up in a non-religious household would be welcome as a Jew in an Orthodox congregation but might face questions in a Reform congregation because, technically, the Reform acceptance of patrilineal descent is contingent on having a religious upbringing.)
What does Passover mean to reformed Jews?
There is no such thing as a "reformed" Jew. It is called "reform Jew". Reform Jews celebrate passover as a commoration of the exodus of the ancestors of the Jews from Egypt and into freedom, which is the same meaning passover has to Conservative and Orthodox Jews.
If your mother was Christian and your father was Jewish what religion are you?
From the Jewish perspective, you are not a Jew. However, if you are raised as a Jew, the reform movement would consider you a Jew. Conservative and orthodox groups would require you to undergo conversion.
What do Orthodox Jews believe about Shabbat?
The answer completely depends on the Reform Jew you are talking about. Orthodox Jews follow all of the laws (no driving, cooking, etc) and some Reform Jews do the exact same thing.
How do you dress like a Jew?
Nobody can "Dress like a jew" we are very diverse, from reform to orthodox, if you are orthodox you have to go by a certain t of a dress code, but other than that, we dress like normal people, and not all have a big nose! -___- can't stress that enough
What can reform Jew eat?
A Reform Jew can eat whatever they wish to eat.
When was How to Be an Extremely Reform Jew created?
How to Be an Extremely Reform Jew was created in 1994.
How are orthodox different from reform Jews?
Orthodox follow halacha; Reform don't.
