Variants In Judaism

What is a variant?

·         Two or more people or things that have slight differences in opinions. The three major variants or streams are Conservative, Orthodox and Reform (Liberal or Progressive)

Orthodox	Conservative	Progressive
Strict regulations in religion Men and women are separated to pray in synagogue Believe God wrote the Torah Synagogues are established by a group of Jews who gather their own funds Strict with dietary laws No marriage to people of other religions Speak Hebrew	Foster practice of traditional Judaism while embracing modernism Men and women sit together Believe Jewish laws can be changed Believe God’s will is made known to humanity through revelation	Less traditional Allowed to marry people of other religions Don’t believe the Torah was written by God Allow a contemporary life English language used in parts of religious service Accept people regardless of sexual orientation Relatively new Torah can adapt to times

·         Relaxed practice that fits in society- P

·         Individual praying and occasional conversation in service- P

·         Traditional beliefs but addressing contemporary needs- C

·         Men and women sit separately- O

·         Men and women sit together and participate fully in service, prayers and rituals- C/P

·         Women do not practice in all rituals- O

·         English used for service- P

·         Strict dress and dietary law- O

·         Always worship in Hebrew- O

·         Women can lead services and become rabbis- P