Orthodox Judaism

Orthodox Judaism is a major stream within Rabbinic Judaism that adheres to a strict interpretation and application of Jewish law and tradition. It views the Torah, both the Written Torah and the Oral Torah, as divinely revealed and immutable. The movement is characterized by its commitment to traditional beliefs, such as Torah min HaShamayim, and daily practices including prayer, kashrut, and Shabbat observance. It emerged as a distinct identity in reaction to the Haskalah and the rise of Reform Judaism in 19th-century Europe.

Beliefs and principles

Core beliefs center on the divine origin and eternal binding authority of the Written Torah and the Oral Torah, as codified in the Talmud and later works like the Shulchan Aruch. This includes a firm belief in Torah min HaShamayim and the absolute truth of its commandments. Orthodox theology affirms the concept of a personal God, messianic redemption, and divine reward and punishment. The system of Halakha, guided by recognized halakhic authorities, is seen as the sole legitimate framework for Jewish life. Major philosophical works that shape thought include those by Maimonides, particularly his Thirteen Principles of Faith, and the mystical teachings of the Zohar and Kabbalah.

Practices and observances

Daily life is structured around the meticulous observance of commandments. This includes three daily prayer services, often in a synagogue, with men traditionally wearing tallit and tefillin. Strict adherence to the laws of kashrut governs all food consumption, while Shabbat and Jewish holidays like Yom Kippur and Passover are observed with specific prohibitions and rituals. Lifecycle events follow traditional rites, such as circumcision, bar mitzvah, and marriage under a chuppah. Distinctive dress codes, like the kippah for men and modest attire for women, are common. Intensive Torah study, particularly in yeshivas, is a paramount value.

History and development

The movement coalesced in the 19th century as a response to the Haskalah and the establishment of Reform Judaism in cities like Berlin and Frankfurt. Early ideologues and leaders, such as Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch of Frankfurt (advocate of Torah im Derech Eretz) and Rabbi Azriel Hildesheimer, championed strict adherence to Halakha while engaging with modern society. In Eastern Europe, the Misnagdim, led by the Vilna Gaon, and the burgeoning Hasidic movement, founded by the Baal Shem Tov, represented traditionalist forces. The devastation of the Holocaust destroyed major centers of Orthodoxy in Europe, leading to a transplantation and rebuilding of communities, particularly in North America and the modern State of Israel.

Major subgroups and movements

Orthodox Judaism is not monolithic and contains several major streams. Modern Orthodox Judaism, influenced by figures like Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik of Yeshiva University, seeks synthesis with modern culture and secular education. Haredi Judaism (often called "ultra-Orthodox") emphasizes separation and includes both Hasidic dynasties (e.g., Chabad-Lubavitch, Satmar, and Belz) and non-Hasidic Yeshivish communities, whose worldview is shaped by great roshei yeshiva like Rabbi Aharon Kotler of Lakewood. Religious Zionism, guided by the teachings of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, integrates Jewish nationalism with religious observance and is associated with the Mafdal party and institutions like Mercaz Harav.

Demographics and leadership

Global population is estimated between 2 and 3 million, with significant communities in Israel, North America (particularly New York and Lakewood), and Europe (e.g., London and Antwerp). Leadership is decentralized and based on scholarly and religious authority rather than a single hierarchy. Supreme authority rests with revered poskim (decisors) and roshei yeshiva, such as the late Rabbi Ovadia Yosef for Sephardic communities or the Hasidic rebbes of various courts. Influential organizations include the Agudath Israel of America, the Rabbinical Council of America, and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.

Relationship with other Jewish denominations

It views itself as the only authentic continuation of historical Judaism, and its institutions generally do not recognize the religious legitimacy of Reform Judaism, Conservative Judaism, or Reconstructionist Judaism. This often leads to disputes over matters of Jewish identity, such as conversion and interfaith marriage. Cooperation exists on issues of communal welfare and support for Israel, often through bodies like the Jewish Federations of North America, but religious collaboration, such as in joint rabbinic courts, is rare. The establishment of the State of Israel has also been a point of theological divergence, especially between Religious Zionists and non-Zionist Haredi groups.