OUR SERVICESThere are three major movements of Jewish affiliation in the United States. Most synagogues belong to one of these movements. (These movements are also sometimes called denominations or streams.) They are:
• Orthodox
• Conservative
• Reform
A person who belongs to a synagogue often defines him or herself by the movement of the synagogue. However, this does not always reflect a person’s level of observance or other aspects of Jewish life.
In other words, someone might call themselves “Orthodox” because they belong to an Orthodox synagogue, even if they do not follow Orthodox traditions.
How the Movements Differ
The differences between the movements are best illustrated through each’s beliefs regarding:
• the Torah
• Shabbat/Holiday observances
• Kashrut (Kashrut is the name of the Jewish dietary laws. In other words, what people eat.)
The movements have beliefs about each of these areas, whether or not their congregants follow them. These distinctions are not rigid.
Orthodox
Orthodox Jews believe that the Torah was given by God to Moses, and thus believe that Jewish laws and traditions should be followed as literally as possible.
Orthodox Jews do not work on the Sabbath or Jewish holy days. Work is defined not only as occupation. It also encompasses things like cooking, traveling in a vehicle, and using mechanical/electric devices.
Observing kashrut is important.
Some Orthodox men always wear yarmulkes; some do not shake hands with unrelated women. And some Orthodox married women always cover their hair.
Conservative
Conservative Jews may or may not accept the Torah as the literal word of God, but they still believe that the laws of the tradition should be followed. They also believe that the laws of the Torah should be adapted over time and adjusted according to modern culture.
The Conservative movement believes it is permissible to drive on Shabbat to the synagogue.
The Conservative Movement believes it is important to keep kosher and observe Shabbat and holidays, though the level of observance is less strict than the Orthodox.
Reform
Reform Jews believe that the Torah was written by people who were inspired by their belief in God, which makes Reform the most liberal of the three movements. They believe it is up to each individual to observe those traditions of Judaism that are personally meaningful.
Though the Reform Movement encourages its members keep kosher and observe Shabbat and holidays, these practices are considered a matter of individual choice.
Unaffiliated Jews
Many Jews do not belong to synagogues, or feel an association with any movement of Judaism. These people would refer to themselves simply as “Jewish.” They may or may not have any level of observance, and may or may not feel very connected to the Jewish people and Jewish holidays and traditions.