Liberal Judaism?

[xDenax]

Many people use the term "Liberal Judasim" to refer to anything outside of Orthodoxy. Then again, I've know people who also use the term for anything outside of Orthodoxy and Conservative Judaism. It depends on the person.

 

[Qnts2]

There's not one definition. While Orthodox and Hassidim differ in some observances, there's not much difference dogmatically speaking. I feel right at home with both. Come to think of it, there is no real definition of the Orthodox Judaism, either Where does Hassidism, which is Orthodox Judaism, end and the regular Orthodox Judaism begin? Especially when Hassidism varies as well. Personally, I think if you wear kaftan and kolpik, it may be time to update your wardrobe.

Today, in some areas, the groups are becoming more blended. But not in all areas. And it wasn't that long ago, the groups were much more distinctly different. There was little to no cross communication. And some of the different views resulted in quite a few arguments.

 

[jcpro]

Today, in some areas, the groups are becoming more blended. But not in all areas. And it wasn't that long ago, the groups were much more distinctly different. There was little to no cross communication. And some of the different views resulted in quite a few arguments.

There are always arguments because Judaism is authority driven, yet we do not have single center of authority because of diaspora. Let's face it, a good chunk of the Jewish community lives in the Torah 24/7. That only promotes religious discourse and it trully is a miracle that we are so close theologically.

 

[Jerushabelle]

Has any heard of -Liberal Judaism?- I'm aware of Judaism 101 but most Torah-followers are very or ultra-conservative.

Are you askiing about this in terms of the faith or in terms of the politics?

 

[ProScribe]

In the U.S.A, there are 5 branches of Judaism.

1. Orthodox
2. Conservative
3. Reconstructionist
4. Reform
5. Humanistic


In England, to my knowledge there are 3 branches

1. Orthodox
2. Reform
3. Liberal

In England Reform is closer to the U.S. Conservative and Liberal is closer to the U.S. Reform.

If I had to choose one of the above I would go with choice #4 Reform in the U.S.A.

 

[ChavaK]

If I had to choose one of the above I would go with choice #4 Reform in the U.S.A.

Why?

 

[ProScribe]

Why?

Because it may mesh well with a Christian-Protestant background. <?> [That is ~ if I'm invited to convert]

 

[ProScribe]

Are you askiing about this in terms of the faith or in terms of the politics?

In terms of Faith + Reason or "agnostic" It helps alot to keep religion apart from Politics.

 

[yedida]

In terms of Faith + Reason or "agnostic" It helps alot to keep religion apart from Politics.

From my understanding you'll never be asked to convert. In fact, many places send you away numerous times before even allowing you to begin a conversion process and that process can take anywhere from 1 to 4 or so years! They want you to be very, very sure of what you're doing.

 

[ChavaK]

Because it may mesh well with a Christian-Protestant background. <?> [That is ~ if I'm invited to convert]

I just noticed you are agnostic...do you still hold some Protestant beliefs, or do you feel Reform is more
"comfortable" coming from that background?

 

[Jerushabelle]

In terms of Faith + Reason or "agnostic" It helps alot to keep religion apart from Politics.

Ah, well Brother, I don't think you can really keep one from affecting the other, but that's a subject for another thread.

 

[ProScribe]

From my understanding you'll never be asked to convert. In fact, many places send you away numerous times before even allowing you to begin a conversion process and that process can take anywhere from 1 to 4 or so years! They want you to be very, very sure of what you're doing.

It would be different in this local situation because I would be the only person knowledgeable enough to meet with a -Jewish representative- from out of county or state. (Speaking common English of course)

 

[ChavaK]

It would be different in this local situation because I would be the only person knowledgeable enough to meet with a -Jewish representative- from out of county or state. (Speaking common English of course)

My understanding is that Reform does not discourage converts as much as
Orthodoxy does, and that the process is much more streamlined.

 

[yedida]

My understanding is that Reform does not discourage converts as much as
Orthodoxy does, and that the process is much more streamlined.

But those don't hold up to alyah rules do they? (Boy typing today is rough, each attempt has looked like I stepped out of somewhere in the 12th century!! hehehhe)

 

[yonah_mishael]

What do you mean by "hold up to alyah rules"? Reform converts can make aliyah to Israel, if that's what you mean. Orthodox converts have a harder time with aliyah than Reform converts do.

 

[ChavaK]

But those don't hold up to alyah rules do they? (Boy typing today is rough, each attempt has looked like I stepped out of somewhere in the 12th century!! hehehhe)

Reform conversions are valid for making aliyah. The problem is being
recognized as a Jew after aliyah.

 

[yedida]

Reform conversions are valid for making aliyah. The problem is being
recognized as a Jew after aliyah.

Oh my bad, that's what I meant, recognition as being Jewish.

 

[xDenax]

Because it may mesh well with a Christian-Protestant background. <?> [That is ~ if I'm invited to convert]

If a person is becoming a Jew they needn't "mesh" their Judaism with their Christian Protestant background. That's one of the many reasons to take your time. It's a totally different understanding of religion, behavior, faith and peoplehood. But anyway, nobody is ever going to invite you to convert.

 

[ProScribe]

If a person is becoming a Jew they needn't "mesh" their Judaism with their Christian Protestant background. That's one of the many reasons to take your time. It's a totally different understanding of religion, behavior, faith and peoplehood. But anyway, nobody is ever going to invite you to convert.

What do you think of www.jewfaq.org <?> I think its a wonderful website and have known about it for years G_d bless

 

[xDenax]

What do you think of www.jewfaq.org <?> I think its a wonderful website and have known about it for years G_d bless

I think it's a pretty good site for a basic overview of topics. Another good site is Jewish Virtual Library - Homepage