The word “orthodox” is modernly used to refer to “the close following of the traditional beliefs and customs of a religion” (“Orthodox”). But, historically, the word had a much more negative connotation. When a new kind of Judaism arose around the mid-18th century, people named it “orthodox” because the new formed denomination followed tradition very closely as well as seemed to refuse to integrate and evolve with society. Instead of cursing the name, the new form of Judaism accepted the word and became Orthodox Judaism. Just like the word “orthodox” describes, Orthodox Judaism is the most modern, traditional form of Judaism that exists today. These Jews followed the teachings of the Torah, as well as other religious literature like law,
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Orthodox Judaism is one of the most popular branches of Judaism in the modern world, with a long history of success as a religion, a plethora of practices and beliefs, and a well-defined separation between it and the other branches.
The Jewish religion has a history that dates back thousands of years ago, while the creation of Orthodox Judaism dates back only a few hundred years ago (Fieser). Orthodox Jews believe that the historical stories from the Torah, along with other religious stories about Jewish origin, are the literal history of Judaism. In the beginning, around 17th century BC, Abraham was the first ever Jewish man, chosen by God to lead a new, sacred race. When Abraham’s religion grew, his people migrated to their “promised” land that at the time was called Canaan (modernly Israel). But soon, famine drove the Jewish people to Egypt, where they hoped their lifestyles would improve. Instead, they were enslaved by the pharaoh and made to build giant statues and temples. Around 13th century BC, Moses led them out of Egypt, and they returned to their land. There they lived in twelve …show more content…
The Torah in its entirety must be read at least once a year. They read from both the written and oral Torah as well as other religious documents, such as the Talmud (Neusner). In scripture, the word “God” is usually written as “G-d”, if used at all because the word is believed very sacred. While God does have a formal name, YHWH (said Yahweh), it is blasphemy to speak or write (Deming). While the common use of the Hebrew language has ceased, the traditional Torah is still written in Hebrew, and Jewish children still learn to read Hebrew. Every synagogue is required to have a traditional Torah, which is the Torah written on scrolls that has gone through intensive religious procedures to make it sacred (Deming). These scrolls are read from during religious services, and “kept in a special case, called an Ark, when not in use” (Deming). An Ark is traditionally highly decorative, covered in embroidered cloth or even stained made of glass. Above the Ark, a fire is kept ever-burning, “identifying the Torah as God’s wisdom” (Deming). Places of worship, like synagogues, usually do not have statues, so the people can focus more on the prayers and teachings. “In Orthodox prayer services, men and women are separated by a curtain or low wall, with only men allowed to lead services and read or bless the
Orthodox Judaism is one of the most popular branches of Judaism in the modern world, with a long history of success as a religion, a plethora of practices and beliefs, and a well-defined separation between it and the other branches.
The Jewish religion has a history that dates back thousands of years ago, while the creation of Orthodox Judaism dates back only a few hundred years ago (Fieser). Orthodox Jews believe that the historical stories from the Torah, along with other religious stories about Jewish origin, are the literal history of Judaism. In the beginning, around 17th century BC, Abraham was the first ever Jewish man, chosen by God to lead a new, sacred race. When Abraham’s religion grew, his people migrated to their “promised” land that at the time was called Canaan (modernly Israel). But soon, famine drove the Jewish people to Egypt, where they hoped their lifestyles would improve. Instead, they were enslaved by the pharaoh and made to build giant statues and temples. Around 13th century BC, Moses led them out of Egypt, and they returned to their land. There they lived in twelve …show more content…
The Torah in its entirety must be read at least once a year. They read from both the written and oral Torah as well as other religious documents, such as the Talmud (Neusner). In scripture, the word “God” is usually written as “G-d”, if used at all because the word is believed very sacred. While God does have a formal name, YHWH (said Yahweh), it is blasphemy to speak or write (Deming). While the common use of the Hebrew language has ceased, the traditional Torah is still written in Hebrew, and Jewish children still learn to read Hebrew. Every synagogue is required to have a traditional Torah, which is the Torah written on scrolls that has gone through intensive religious procedures to make it sacred (Deming). These scrolls are read from during religious services, and “kept in a special case, called an Ark, when not in use” (Deming). An Ark is traditionally highly decorative, covered in embroidered cloth or even stained made of glass. Above the Ark, a fire is kept ever-burning, “identifying the Torah as God’s wisdom” (Deming). Places of worship, like synagogues, usually do not have statues, so the people can focus more on the prayers and teachings. “In Orthodox prayer services, men and women are separated by a curtain or low wall, with only men allowed to lead services and read or bless the