Main Differences Between Different Types of Jews

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Main Differences Between Different Types of Jews

Halakah translates in Hebrew as "to go" i.e. how Jews go about their

daily lives. The Halakah is a book of the most important laws that

Jews must follow in everyday life from the Talmud. It also includes

important practises from the Codes and Responsa, and so the book

itself is constantly being updated as more laws are brought into place

or deemed important.

B) Give an outline of the main differences between different types of

Jews.

In Judaism, there are many different "denominations" of Jewish

followers, the main two being Orthodox and Progressive Jews. Although

both are Jewish by religion, there are many differences in the

practises and laws of orthodox and progressive Jews. This difference

is shown most clearly in the synagogue. In an orthodox synagogue, men

wear traditional clothes, sit separately from the women, there will

only ever be a male rabbi, and all of the service will be read in

Hebrew. However in a progressive synagogue, men and women will sit

together, both genders may wear traditional garments, the rabbi may be

a male or female, and some of the service is in English.

In addition, progressive Jews are much more open to adaptations to

Jewish law, and believe that it is their right to change traditions to

modern life situations of the current society culture. Orthodox Jews

however believe that the scriptures are sacred and should be kept

divine. They keep all Jewish festivals in a traditional way and follow

Jewish laws as far as they possibly can. This is displayed on Shabbat.

Orthodox Jews will observe Shabbat very strictly, whereas progressive

Jews will be more flexible with laws e.g. they may drive to the

synagogue, go out on a Saturday etc.

C) Explain the use and the importance of the Talmud.

The Talmud is a book containing discussion and interpretations of the

Mishnah. It was compiled by educated Rabbis and students in around

500CE, and is widely recognised as one of the most important books for

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