Types of Judaism?

[Raene]

Could someone please tell me about the different types of Judaism and how they vary?

As background, I am hoping to convert and am not sure which Temple I should go to in order to speak with a Rabbi. I am a pretty liberal person and am looking for a sect that would fit my values and beliefs, especially one that is accepting of gays and lesbians.

Thanks!

[smeisnotapirate]

There aren't really types of Judaism, persay. There are different movements, with vastly differing stances on Jewish law and practice.

I'll speak to my movement, Reform Judaism. Throughout the world it is known as Progressive Judaism. Reform Judaism is 100% egalitarian (men and women can be rabbis, cantors, and do the same things) and 100% accepting of gays and lesbians. They are also the most accepting (varying upon the individual rabbi) of interfaith families.

Reform Judaism doesn't believe in a literal reading of the Torah, and does not believe that halacha (Jewish law) is binding and G-d-given. Therefore, you may find lay people or even rabbis who eat bacon and never wear kippot, just as likely as finding one that keeps traditionally kosher and leins tefillin. There is a HUGE variance of practice within the Reform movement, and it's one of my favorite things about it.

Services can vary depending on the congregation. Our services are half Hebrew/half English, with lots of singing, both traditional and newly-composed melodies. Our main service is also on Friday nights as opposed to Saturday mornings (in the traditional world, this is the big service with the Torah reading).

Let me know if you have any other questions.

ETA: Wikipedia has a dry but accurate description of many of the different movements within Judaism here.

[javilu]

semisnotapirate - I've also been wondering about Judaism (Reform Judaism in particular). Not about converting (yet/per se), just learning more, I guess. I'm curious about their views on circumcision, and how a non-circ family might fit-in (or not). Do you have any insight you might share? Thanks!

[smeisnotapirate]

People will assume that your children are circumcised. In this day and age, it's a pretty safe assumption, sadly. I know a few families with boys who aren't, and while it was pretty big talk when the brissim didn't happen, talk seemed to fade after you pass the initial baby time. An uncircumcised baby who has converted is still a Jew - the parents have just missed out on performing a mitzvah for the child.

I would talk to your local rabbi about it - some rabbis require it for conversion (the official stance of the movement is that circumcision is encouraged), but many do not.

[umsami]

Raene...I seem to remember from when I looked at converting that the Reform congregations had some sort of Intro to Judaism type classes for potential converts. You might want to check with your nearest synagogue. Here's a link for classes http://urj.org/learning/classes/taste/

There's also Conservative and Orthodox. Here's info on Conservative http://www.uscj.org/About_Conversion_to_5226.html

I'm not sure if it holds in reform, but from what I remember, you may be turned away the first few times you inquire... to make sure you're really interested.

Also, I seem to remember that Reform conversions were not recognized in Israel (for aliyah), but Conservative (maybe) and Orthodox (definitely) were. I'm not sure if that still holds or not. Of course, I don't think that really has any bearing on whether or not G-d accepts it.

OK...I'm a lot of maybes... guess you better wait on better info.

[smeisnotapirate]

You're absolutely right, umsami! I was turned down 3 times by our reform rabbi (who is pretty traditional) but it varies.

Also, yes, Israel doesn't recognize Progressive conversions as kosher conversions, and neither do many of the other movements within Judaism.

[alexsam]

Yes- this is a much more complicated question than it would seem. The "types" of Judaism are more like a bunch of siblings. They don't always agree on everything, but we certainly don't see each other as seperate.

The idea of "egalitarianism" is also kind of trickey... It might *appear* that in orthodoxy women do not have the same status as men, but in many ways, it is... different. So, don't cross it off entirely without even thinking about it. If you are converting to Judaism, you will find that there is a lot of connection accross "divisions", so if you are truly uncomfortable with the whole idea or the people in it, this will be a sticking point. Reform Jews might disagree with Orthoox Jews about certain issues, but they don't reject them or deny them or even hold hard feelings. Just disagree. And disagreement among Jews (within the family) is expected and OK with everyone. We argue with eachother all the time! A branch might feel more comfortable to you than others, but, you're still going to be sitting at the "dinner table with your siblings (of other branches)" at some point, so if you are so "against" a branch so much that this is not possible, it will be... hard.

A conversion to orthodoxy would drastically change your life (there are family purity expectations, expectations regarding food, prayer, etc.). A conversion to reform or conservative Judaism would also be life changing, but... not in the same way. I think most converts tend to be drawn more to reform and conservative branches. But, people do convert to orthodoxy.

Only orthodox conversions are recognized by Israel. Mostly. Some orthodox conversions aren't. Conversions that Israel would recognize are very specific and if you think you will make aaliyah (moving to Israel), you should discuss that with a rabbi. Otherwise... what the Israelis think about your conversion generally won't have a huge impact on your life. But, then again, the American orthodox won't recognize a conservative or reform conversion either. But your "branch" will accept you. At some point you have to decide if it is about what is in your heart or about who likes your papers.

As for circ, the official party line is- none of the major branches of Judaism will excuse a Jew from being circ'd. But, you need to talk to a rabbi regarding an uncirc'd child converting. Personally, I could not imagine approaching that with a child before they become an adult and can consent. Jewish babies... well... Adults converting... but kids? Hmmm...

Not all rabbis will refuse to discuss conversion. However, Jews take it very seriously (and with a bit of skepticism). It requires a lot of personal conviction and changing the way you live and how others see you. Jews know that being a Jew can be hard and a convert to Judaism is even harder, So, don't be (too) put off if they don't fall all over themselves to drag you to the mikveh . Be sincere. Go from there.

I would recommend "wading" into the pool... Reform Judiasm most often makes the most "sense" to non-Jews and does not "require" adherence to many of the "rules" that other branches do (maternal lineage, kosher, etc.). Then, move around until you find what is comfortable. A reform rabbi will absolutely have no issue (and will recommend) you talking to other rabbis of other branches. There is no animosity that way. We really are all one family.

[Magelet]

I'd also like to say that there are HUGE differences between congregations of the same movement (and plenty of congregations that aren't affiliated with one of the major movements (orthodox, conservative, reform), either being affiliated with much smaller movements, or not.) Even in a conservative synagogue (I can't speak to orthodox, or other movement synagogues, having no expeirience there), there is a great deal of variaty of practice among members, and the community "standards" may not entirely match those of the movement. Communities can and do work to change the standards of the institution of the movement.

As for acceptance of gays and lesbians, you will find congregations among both reform and conservative affiliated congregations who are very open and accepting. I'm not totally sure the official position of conservative judaism on gays and lesbians (though I know that the movement allows ordination of gay and lesbian rabbis and sanctification of same sex marriage ceremonies), however I would say that in practice the official movement matters less perhaps than the attitude of the congregation you join.

In terms of general liberal-ness, reform congregations have a reputation of being quite liberal, though this may not hold true in all congregations. In my conservative synagogue, there are plenty of very crunchy, very politically liberal folks, and plenty of not so crunch, not quite as politically liberal folks. (It IS berkeley though, so its pretty berkeley.) You really get all sorts, and I imagine this is true anywhere.

(And that conservative doesn't mean politically conservative. It's offputting, so some congregations are starting to go by masorti instead. conservative got its name in its beginings from trying to conserve tradition, while adapting to the modern world, iirc)

I would recomend checking out local congregations of all movements.

Also, consider your future plans. If you are planning to move around and may find a congregation more suited in the future, it might make sense to consider converting with an independent but conservative or orthodox affiliated rabbi, if you don't love the congregations in that movement in your area. I would say that a conversion with a conservative rabbi would be more widely accepted among most congregations except orthodox conversions, and a conversion with an orthodox rabbi would be accepted by most but not all congregations, however the same might not be true with a reform, renewal, reconstructionist or other rabbi.

I imagine its also important to work with a rabbi who you respect and get along with, so by all means, talk to the various rabbis.

It might be intimidating the idea of exploring a lot of congregations and meeting rabbis, so maybe explore one for a while, and if you don't like it, try another congregation or rabbi? I might recommend calling the office of the synogogue and asking if they have someone who can meet you and take you with them to a service and introduce you after. (There is almost universally food after. I've never been to a service with any congregation without food and schmoozing after) While many congregations are working on being more welcoming, it can be hard to walk in alone, when you feel like everyone else knows eachother, and then go through a service partly or entirely in hebrew if you don't understand. having someone to walk you through it and introduce you and generally make you feel welcome really helps. I ran into someone who walked me through, however welcomeing new members isn't always a strong suit. (As a community member, its hard to welcome new folks if you don't know if they are new, and the tendancy to be shy or stick to the folks you know is strong. If you tell people you are new, you are sure to get a good welcome though).

If it matters, I think, though I'm not sure, that reform and conservative conversions performed outside Israel are accepted in Israel, but not if they are performed in Israel. definitely talk to a rabbi if this is an issue.

[merpk]

Originally Posted by Magelet

If it matters, I think, though I'm not sure, that reform and conservative conversions performed outside Israel are accepted in Israel, but not if they are performed in Israel. definitely talk to a rabbi if this is an issue.

That is correct (contrary to the fund-raising literature which says otherwise); nonOrthodox conversions performed outside of Israel *are* accepted for purposes of aliyah.

Inside Israel, well, the official rabbinate is Orthodox and only accepts its own conversions.

There is also the issue of how long a conversion can take, if you're deciding on a "denominational fit." Reform and Conservative conversions take less than a year, as a general rule. Orthodox conversions generally take a minimum of several years (the standard I've heard is three) and involve a great deal of learning and a total life change. Though most folks going through an Orthodox conversion are looking for precisely that total life change, you know?

[smeisnotapirate]

Originally Posted by merpk

There is also the issue of how long a conversion can take, if you're deciding on a "denominational fit." Reform and Conservative conversions take less than a year, as a general rule. Orthodox conversions generally take a minimum of several years (the standard I've heard is three) and involve a great deal of learning and a total life change. Though most folks going through an Orthodox conversion are looking for precisely that total life change, you know?

Not necessarily true. The Reform movement's official stance is that a conversion should take at least one year, if not more. Mine took more. Of course, it will differ depending on community, but the official stance and the one you are most likely to find at our congregations is at least a year.

[SeattleRain]

Okay I'll jump in with the Orthodox standpoint. I was raised in Conservative Judaism and became active in Orthodox Judaism in college. My husband was raised conservative and actually had to convert to Orthodox Judaism because his mother's coversion was not considered valid. So I can tell you a little about what that process was like, if you're interested. You can PM me.

Actually I'm going to have to finish this later.... the belly wants to be fed....

[Raene]

I found out there are three options where I live. The biggest option (meaning, most well-known and largest Temple) is Conservative. There's also Reform and Humanistic.

Anyone want to talk more about Humanistic Judaism? Thanks again. I really have appreciated all the answers.

[Magelet]

I don't know much about it, but I think it is a movement? that emphasizes humans and jewish culture, without a belief in G-d.

[javilu]

I only know what I've read poking around online, but I think the Humanistic one would probably be along the lines with the Reconstructionist movement.

[lolar2]

Originally Posted by smeisnotapirate

Services can vary depending on the congregation. Our services are half Hebrew/half English, with lots of singing, both traditional and newly-composed melodies. Our main service is also on Friday nights as opposed to Saturday mornings (in the traditional world, this is the big service with the Torah reading).

In England, the main service in Progressive synagogues is on Saturday mornings as well.