Introduction
Over the centuries, much debate has been about what it means to be a Jew. The Jewish people are a global community, and a wide range of beliefs and practices exist among them. While most Jews worldwide identify as either Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, or Reconstructionist, there is a growing number of secular Jews, and many choose to identify with more than one denomination (Nicholas, 2010).
Jewish Identity
Traditionally, to be accommodated into the Jewish community, a person ought to be born to Jewish parents, converted to Judaism, or follow rabbinical regulations. Jews define themselves differently through their cultural and family backgrounds or their level of religious observance. Some Jews may identify as Jewish through their commitment to the values and ethics of Judaism, even if they do not practice the religion (Nicholas, 2010). Beyond the traditional definition, Jews today define themselves in various ways, and Judaism is about more than just religious observance.
Comparison of Judaism Approaches
There are various approaches to Judaism, each with its own characteristics and beliefs. Orthodox Judaism is the most traditional, adhering to Jewish law and ritual practice to the letter. Orthodox Judaism emphasizes the significance of traditional Jewish beliefs and practices, such as the Torah being considered the word of God (Onion et al., 2021). Conservative Judaism adopts a more moderate approach, seeking to reconcile traditional Jewish law and practice with contemporary societal norms and values.
Reform Judaism, which strives to be inclusive and accommodating of modern society, is the most progressive movement within Judaism. Reconstructionist Judaism emphasizes cultural renewal and incorporates modern values and practices into Jewish life (Nicholas, 2010). Jewish approaches focus on a different aspect of Jewish tradition and are dedicated to preserving Judaism’s core values and teachings.
Onion et al.’s vs. Nicholas’s Insights into the Judaism Classification
Onion et al. (2021) discuss the history of the Jewish people. The Jews are classified into Orthodox Judaism, which is characterized by a strong emphasis on observing the customs and rituals of the Jewish community. In Nicholas’s (2010) discussion, Orthodox Jews observe traditional beliefs and practices. Onion et al. (2021) consider Reform Judaism, a liberal Jewish community that values traditional ethics without observing Jewish customs.
Nicholas (2010) discusses Reform Jews’ concern for accommodating modern society. Conservative Judaism respects the culture and customs of its religion while accepting and incorporating modern practices and beliefs (Onion et al., 2021). Nicholas (2010) considers Conservative Jews as Reconstructive, highlighting cultural renewal while integrating contemporary values. Regardless of the Jewish category, almost all Jews are observant of their culture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jews are dispersed people who live in a variety of countries around the world. Family unites Jews, and a connection to their people’s past forms a common thread in their identity, such as observing Jewish customs. This sense of belonging to the Jewish people stems primarily from birth rather than personal commitment, and many ethnic groups share a similar sense of identity. Jewish law defines Jewish identity differently, with one becoming a Jew by birth or choice. Jews are united through this sense of belonging to a people and their past rather than solely through religion.
References
Nicholas, L. (2010). An introduction to Judaism. University of Cambridge.
Onion, A., Sullivan, M., & Mullen, M. (2021). Judaism. History. Web.