Variants

What is a variant?

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

Orthodox

• Men and women sit separately in Orthodox synagogues and women do not participate in some of the rituals. 
• Synagogues are established by groups of Jews who raise their own funds and construct their own buildings.
• The Biblical law may be developed and interpreted only by processes of reasoning which maintain respect for its Divine origin.

• Orthodox is the most traditional out of the three; they speak Hebrew, have strict Kosher laws, make no changes to the Torah and no marriages are allowed outside their religion.

 Conservative

• Men and women sit together and women participate fully in the synagogue services, prayers and rituals.
• Follows the traditional liturgy, and it is mainly in Hebrew and similar to Orthodox services.
• Allows the use of electrical appliances on the Sabbath and to drive to the synagogue by car. It also permits the ordination of women rabbis.
• Laws can be changed

Progressive

• Progressive Jews regard the “sacred heritage” of the Torah as evolving and adapting over the centuries and continuing to do so.
• the full equality of women and the acceptance of all regardless of sexual orientation
• Relatively new 19^th century religion
• Allowed to marry with other religions

Secular Jews

 

Secular Jews don't describe themselves as religious believers, but still identify as part of the Jewis people and participate in Judaism.

 

http://www.ijs.org.au/variants-within-Judaism/default.aspx

• Relaxed practise and fits in society-Progressive
• Individual praying and occasional conversation in service-Progressive
• Traditional beliefs but addressing contemporary needs-Conservative
• Men and women sit separately in the synagogue-Orthodox
• Men and women sit together and participate fully in service, prayers and rituals-Conservative and Progressive
• Women do not practise in all rituals-Orthodox
• English used for part of service-Progressive
• Strict dress and dietary law-Orthodox
• They always worship in Hebrew-Orthodox
• Women can lead services and become Rabbis-Progressive