Wow, a loaded question.
The word 'jew' literally comes from a transliteteration of Yehudah (judah), a single bloodline tribe. Yet, today the term itself evolved to encompass anyone who has descended from one of the 12 tribes of Israel, or of one who has converted into Judaism, as they were adopted into one of the 12 tribes. This evolution of the term 'jew' can be seen as far back as 2,250+ years ago. Another synonomous term would be: Hebrew. Often Jews are referred to as the "Hebrew Nation" or simply as "Hebrews". This came from the stark contradiction by who spoke Hebrew in the land of Egypt, and later in Babylonia.
In a very loose definition, it could refer simply to someone who adheres to the Jewish faith (judaism).
The dictionary defines "
Jew"
(j
) as:
1) A member of the widely dispersed people originally descended from the ancient Hebrews and sharing an ethnic heritage based on Judaism.
2) A native or inhabitant of the ancient kingdom of Judah.
3) An adherent of Judaism as a religion or culture.
There are some strange theologies in recent times (especially in MJ'ism) that 'jew' in a much differnt way. Most of these strange theologies have come from the Sacred Name camp.
What different religious groups of Jews are there?
Whoa there.... this could take awhile.
I'll just highlight some of the more major movements/groups.
The first three divisions of Judaism make up the overwhelming population of Jews:
Orthodox
The Orthodox Jews are those who follow talmudic and rabbinical "oral" law. They follow the laws of the written Torah.
Conservative
The Conservative Jews feel that some of the oral laws of the Talmud and Rabbinic writings have become void in today's society. They have re-written some of these 'oral' laws to adapt to the life and times of our century. They also follow the written Torah.
Reform
Reform Jews do not follow the oral code in any stringent form. Any form of following the 'oral' torah is seen as purely a cultural expression, and not that of a spiritual expression. However, some may disagree with the above statement as Reform Judaism is very diverse. Most reform Jews actually do follow the written Torah to some extent.
Those are the largest divisions of Judaism.
Now for some of the smaller groups of Judaism:
Messianic
This has gained a rather large international following during the 20th century. This particular brand of Judaism is hard to define as they lack central leadership. Essentially, the most basic elements of Messianic Judaism is Judaism + Yeshua as Messsiah. One can find Messianic congregations that are almost exactly like a christian church and yet also find Messianic congregations that would be nearly identical to Orthodox synagouges. The greatest difference between Messianic Judaism and other forms of Judaism is the belief that Yeshua (or sometimes Jesus) is the prophesied messiah, and will return for a second time to rule as king. Though there are fractions within Messianic Judaism that are independant, most congregations either fall into the UMJC, IMACS, or (most popularly) the MJAA
Modern Orthodox
Modern Orthodoxy does not deny 'oral law' of days past, but makes revisions to it in an applicable way in today's societies. Other than that, they reflect Orthodox Judaism for the most part. Modern Orthodoxy is becoming popular among younger Jews of today as it also allows freedom of expression in worship. A high focus on the arts and social causes exists in this sect of Judaism.
Ultra-Orthodox
The Ultra-Orthodox hold to all of the tennets of Orthodox Judaism, but make it a point to be very seperated from the world in obvious and outward ways. One obvious example of this would be the wearing of black hats. All subsequent sects within Ultra-Orthodox (detailed below) also adhere to the Ultra-Orthodox practices. Their 'oral law' adherence is very very strict and of course they also follow the written torah. When the average person is asked to describe a Jew, typically they describe an Ultra-Orthodox as they are the most prevelant in society by the standards of non-conformity.
Chassidic
The Chassidic Jews are a smaller sect within the Ultra-Orthodox. The Chassidic have a high focus on joy in worship, missionary works, and a union of passion and study. The Chassidic view that most other forms of Judaism take a dry look at Judaism, and the Chassidim try to implement an element of passion into their studies. One example of this is that the Chassidic have made an 'oral law' that one must dance on the Sabbath. As well, Kabbalah can be found prevelent among the Chassidic movement *a very spiritual view of seeking G-d*. Predominantly, Kabbalah can be found in Chassidic movements, but it can als be found in smaller ammounts in other sects (such as Modern Orthodoxy, Renewal, and Messianic Judaism to some extent). They also refer to their Rabbi as Rebbe, a more enduring term.
Lubavitch
The Lubavitch movement is another 'messianic' sect of Judaism in that they believed
Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson was the long awaited Messiah. The Lubavitch movement is a sect within the Chassidic division of Judaism. which in turn is a sect within the Ultra-Orthodox. In all respects, they are the same as the Chassidic movement but with the added belief that Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson was the Messiah, and just as Messianic Judaism believes, they also believe that Rebbe Schneerson will return someday and rule as king from Jerusalem. Breshlov and Shlomo are also smaller sects within Lubavitch, but are too small of a minority to list seperately.
Renewal
This form of Judaism is similar to the Conservative movement, yet are very concerned with liberal and social issues. As well, they are very focused on equality among the sexes. Not all Jewish Renewal groups are as strict about Torah obervance as the Conservative movement, but typically most are. The Renewal, just as the Chassidic, are also focused on bringing back a passion to Judaism in Jewish communities and globally. Finally, both the Modern Orthodox and Renewal groups will have very vibrant worship with numerous instruments from around the world, and of course dancing.
Reconstructionist
Reconstructionist Jews are very liberal and do not follow the written Torah. They may practice a few random 'oral torah' laws in their cultural expression of Judaism. They do not necessarily even believe in the existence of G-d. An example of how Reconstructionist Judaism is that they would allow a Lesbian woman to be the Rabbi.
Athiest
There are also Jews who follow random written laws within the torah or random oral laws, and culturally they claim to be Jewish and are of Jewish descent physically but do not believe in G-d. Atheism is rejected by all other sects of Judaism, but yet is a mentionalbe percentage of the Jewish people that it deserved a category.
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I think that for the most part I have covered all the bases. If anyone can think of a sect of Judaism that I skipped over, please feel free to add to this list.
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Judaism as a religion was defined by Miamonides (a famous Jewish theologian... also a famous Kabbalist) and broken down into 13 essential foundations.
These foundations are (and I will detail them in my following post):
Principle I. To know the existence of the Creator
Principle II. The Unity of G-d
Principle III. The Denial of Physicality in Connection with G-d
Principle IV. G-d's Antiquity
Principle V. That G-d, blessed be He is worthy that we serve Him, to glorify Him, to make known His greatness, to do His commands.
Principle VI. Prophecy.
Principle VII. The Prophetic Capacity of Moses our Teacher, peace be upon him.
Principle VIII. That the Torah is from heaven
Principle IX. The Completeness of the Torah
Principle X. That G-d knows man's actions and does not remove His eye from them
Principle XI. That God gives reward to he who does the commandments of the Torah and punishes those that transgress its admonishes and warnings.
Principle XII. The Era of the Messiah
Principle XIII. Resurrection of the dead
Considering that not all of the sects of Judaism hold to these 13 principles, that would eliminate the following sects as valid expressions of Judaism:
*Reconstructionist
*Athiest
*possibly some Reform (as some do not see the unique Torah as G-d given... principle #8)
*some might also say that Messianic Judaism would be excluded for similar reasons as the Reform, but only certain expressions (congregations or sects within MJ'ism)... as stated earlier, Messianic Judaism is wide and varied in it's manifestations
lol, well Justin, I'm not sure if you wanted something as detailed as this, but at least it eliminates many questions that might arise.
Shalom and Shalom,
Yafet.
p.s. I feel that personally my own theology can't be defined by a single sect of Judaism. I feel comfortable in 3 sects primarily, and define my own personal doctrine around these 3: Modern Orthodoxy, Messianic, and Renewal.
