Denominations

Denominations

The Jewish Denominations

A quick look at Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and Reconstructionist Judaism — and at other Jewish streams.

Denominations

Reform Judaism Today

Balancing tradition and innovation in the 21st century

Denominations

Conservative Judaism: How the Middle Became a Movement

The second-largest Jewish denomination in the U.S. maintains that Jewish law remains binding, but is open to adaptions that reflect modern realities.

Why Do So Many Orthodox Men Have Beards?

The Jewish reasons for facial hair, including sidelocks (payot).

History of the Reform Movement

America's largest Jewish denomination, Reform began in 19th-century Germany.

What Are Post-Denominational, Trans-Denominational and Non-Denominational Judaism?

These organized Jewish communities exist outside the major movements.

What Is Reconstructionist Judaism?

The smallest and youngest of the so-called "big four" American Jewish denominations.

What Is A Ba’al Teshuvah?

Once a name for sinners who repented, ba'al teshuvah now describes a Jew who returns to Orthodoxy — or becomes Orthodox for the first time.

Orthodox Judaism

An introduction to the roots and wings of Judaism's most traditional branch.

Who Is a Jew: Patrilineal Descent

When Dad is Jewish and Mom is not, are the kids Jewish? Depends on who you ask.

Jewish Renewal

Inspired by the visionary leader Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, Jewish Renewal describes itself more as an attitude than a denomination.

Hasidic Women in the United States

How they are educated and their role in the community.

Types of Jews

The many ethnic and religious subgroups within the Jewish community.

Mechitzah: Separate Seating in the Synagogue

A curtain or other divider separates men and women while they pray in some synagogues.

What Is Secular Humanistic Judaism?

This "fifth denomination," founded in the 1960s by a Reform-ordained rabbi, describes itself as humanistic rather than atheistic.