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Jewish “Denominations”

This page is not comprehensive, but aims to present a general overview of the main denominations within modern Judaism. Denominations are primarily an American/Western-European phenomena, only appearing in the past few hundred years. Despite the variations within Jewish movements, the Jewish community largely considers itself a united family regardless of any label appended by a denomination.

Reform

In general, Reform Judaism maintains that Judaism and Jewish traditions should be modernized and compatible with participation in the surrounding culture. Many branches of Reform Judaism hold that Jewish law should be interpreted as a set of general guidelines rather than as a list of restrictions whose literal observance is required of all Jews. Similar movements that are also occasionally called “Reform” include the Israeli Progressive Movement and its worldwide counterpart. Reform Judaism generally holds that the various differences between the roles of men and women in traditional Jewish law are not relevant to modern conditions and not applicable today. Not all Reform Jews believe that the Torah was given by God thus making the laws not binding.

Side note: This is similar to the British “liberal Judaism” movement.

Conservative

Conservative Judaism has its roots in the school of thought known as Positive-Historical Judaism, developed in 1850s Germany as a reaction to the more liberal religious positions taken by Reform Judaism. The term conservative was meant to signify that Jews should attempt to conserve Jewish tradition, rather than reform or abandon it, and does not imply the movement’s adherents are politically conservative. Because of this potential for confusion, a number of Conservative Rabbis have proposed renaming the movement, and outside of the United States and Canada, in many countries including Israel and the UK, it is today known as Masorti Judaism (Hebrew for “Traditional”). Conservative Judaism believes that the Torah was given by God but the law can be adapted for today’s society.

Reconstructionist

Reconstructionist Judaism is a modern American-based Jewish movement based on the ideas of Mordecai Kaplan (1881–1983). The movement views Judaism as a progressively evolving civilization. It originated as a branch of Conservative Judaism, before it splintered. The movement developed from the late 1920s to 1940s, and it established a rabbinical college in 1968. There is substantial theological diversity within the movement. Halakha is not considered binding, but is treated as a valuable cultural remnant that should be upheld unless there is reason for the contrary. The movement emphasizes positive views toward modernism, and has an approach to Jewish custom which aims toward communal decision making through a process of education and distillation of values from traditional Jewish sources.

Jewish Renewal

The Jewish Renewal movement is a trans-denominational, grassroots spiritual path combining Kabbalah, Hasidism, and progressive social values. Founded in the 1960s and 1970s, it blends ecstatic prayer with modern egalitarianism. Jewish Renewal crosses traditional boundaries like Reform, Conservative, or Orthodox. It is characteristically mystical and joyful, focusing on meditation, chant, dance, and joyful prayer (davening) inspired by Hasidic traditions. As an egalitarian movement, Jewish Renewal fully values gender equality and active community participation. They promote Eco-Judaism by connecting spiritual practice closely with environmental care and social action (tikkun olam). Founder, Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi (Reb Zalman) pioneered the movement during the 1960s counterculture. Today, Jewish Renewal is guided centrally by ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal, which runs rabbinic and cantorial ordination programs.

Humanistic Judaism

Humanistic Judaism is a movement in Judaism that offers a nontheistic alternative in contemporary Jewish life. It defines Judaism as the cultural and historical experience of the Jewish people and encourages humanistic and secular Jews to celebrate their Jewish identity by participating in Jewish holidays and life cycle events (such as weddings and bar and bat mitzvah) with inspirational ceremonies that draw upon but go beyond traditional literature.

Orthodox

Orthodox Judaism sees itself as adhering to the traditional interpretation and application of the laws and ethics of the Torah as legislated in the Talmudic texts by the Sanhedrin (“Oral Torah”) and subsequently developed and applied by the later authorities known as the Gaonim, Rishonim, and Acharonim. Orthodoxy is also known as “Torah Judaism”, though that term is not widely used outside the Orthodox community. Orthodox Judaism’s central belief is that Torah, including the Oral Law, was given directly from God to Moses and applies in all times and places.

Sub-Denominations of Orthodoxy

Modern Orthodox

Modern Orthodoxy emphasizes a balanced life by blending traditional Jewish law with modern secular life. They encourages secular university degrees and careers alongside religious study. Modern Orthodox movement strongly supports the State of Israel, often viewing it as the beginning of redemption. Their openness allows them to engage with modern culture while keeping strict laws on the Sabbath and dietary rules (kosher).

Charedi (Ultra-Orthodox)

Charedi Judaism is a term used to describe the most conservative form of Orthodox Judaism. Charedi Jews, like other Orthodox Jews, consider their belief system and religious practices to extend in an unbroken chain back to Moses and the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. As a result, they regard non-Orthodox, and to an extent Modern Orthodox, streams of Judaism to be deviations from authentic Judaism. Its historical rejection of Jewish secularism distinguishes it from Western European-derived Modern Orthodox Judaism. Haredi Judaism is not an institutionally cohesive or homogeneous group, but comprises a diversity of spiritual and cultural orientations, generally divided into a broad range of Lithuanian-Yeshivish streams from Eastern Europe, and Sephardic Charedim. Other distinctives:

  • Separateness: Tends to stay separate from secular society to avoid outside influences.
  • Focus: Places heavy emphasis on full-time Torah study, mostly for men in special schools (yeshivas).
  • Dress style: Wears distinct traditional clothing, such as long black coats and hats for men, and modest dress with head coverings for married women.
  • Technology use: Limits internet and media use to protect family and community values.

Hasidic

Hasidic Judaism is a branch within Haredi Judaism that is focused on joy, prayer, and Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah). Its leaders, Rebbes, follow spiritual dynastic leaders who guide individual communities. Hasidic sects are divided into specific groups named after European towns where they began, such as Chabad, Satmar, and Breslov. Their practice emphasizes warm community life, singing, and emotional connection to God.