There are three major denominations or movements within Judaism in the US: Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox. The difference among the three, in a basic sense, can be explained by the degree to which traditional observance is required. The three exist in a continuum with Reform being more modern, liberal, or progressive and less observant of traditional interpretations of Jewish law.
Origins of the Torah
One clear difference between the Reform and Orthodox movements is on the question of who wrote the Torah (the first five books of the Jewish Bible or the Old Testament. Orthodox Judaism holds that that God wrote the bible and handed it down to Moses at Mount Sinai. Followers of Reform Judaism don't believe that God wrote the bible. Instead they believe He inspired it but that humans wrote it.
Approaches to Halachic Interpretation
How the two movements approach Halacha (Jewish law) can also be based on a traditional/modern distinction. That is, Orthodox Jews maintain an understanding of both scriptural writings and rabbinical teachings that is largely literal. By contrast, Reform Judaism allows for modern interpretations of the ancient texts. In addition, Orthodox Jews believe that halacha — and all of its 613 commandments or laws — is binding upon them. Reform Jews, on the other hand, do not feel that halacha is a binding requirement, and as a result, they are generally less observant of traditional Jewish law. Since many Reform Jews maintain cultural practices, like observing some elements of the sabbath (Shabbat) or dietary laws (kashrut), they do observe some halakhic principles albeit perhaps with a much more modern interpretation of the law.
Some Practical Differences
It may be helpful to review some specific differences to understand where Reform and Orthodox Jews differ:
- Gender separation. Orthodox Synagogues hold services with men and women seated in separate sections. This separation is imposed in order to maintain modesty and attention. Reform synagogues allow for the mixing of its congregants.
- Female Rabbis. In the Orthodox tradition, the prominent religious roles like that of Rabbi and Cantor are reserved for men. The Reform movement has female Rabbis and Cantors.
- Music during services. Instrumental music is not permitted during Synagogue services in the Orthodox movement, but it is permitted and common in Reform services.
- Skullcap. Because of the Orthodoxy's literal interpretation of Jewish law, more Orthodox men (the observant ones) regularly wear skullcaps (or kippot or yarmukle). In general, fewer Reform men wear kippot and are more likely to do so in Synagogue but not in their regular life. Female Reform Jews may wear yarlmulke as well as other religious items like prayer shawls (tallitot) that traditionally was only worn by men.
- Definition of a Jew. The Orthodox hold the traditional definition that requires one to have a Jewish mother or complete an Orthodox conversion to be considered a Jew. Reform Jews also hold those with Jewish fathers who were raised Jewish to also be considered a Jew.
- Dietary laws. Typically, Orthodox followers better adhere to Jewish dietary laws (kashrut), which includes among many things not eating dairy and meat together, and eating only certain types of animals slaughtered in accordance with halacha. The Reform position permits the individual to determine whether and how much to observe it. As a result, Reform Jews vary from a strict adherence to kashrut to only avoiding pork to not following it at all.
Views of Each Other
In general, the Orthodox view of the Reform movement tends to be negative. This is largely because of the Reform's divergence from what the Orthodox view as key elements of the religion (including the Torah's divine origin and the obligation to follow Jewish law). Some of the more conservative sects within the Orthodox movement like ultra-Orthodox Jews or Haredi Jews view the Reform movement as heretical. The Modern Orthodox sect (the most liberal of the Orthodox movements) does not see the Reform philosophy as being wicked but rather misguided. The Reform movement was born out of a rejection of traditional Judaism and that rejection is still true today. Reform Jews generally find Orthodox movements to be too literal and too rooted in tradition, unnecessarily conflicting with modern life.