#1. Distinguish among Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Jewish Faiths in terms of social characteristics, religious practices and beliefs.
Answer: All three religious groups share a philosophy based on the Torah (the first five books of the old testament).
The differences between Orthodox, Conservative and Reform Judaism are based on their varying acceptance of traditional ritual istic. All three religious groups share a philosophy based on the Torah (the first five books of the old testament). A significant factor that explains the development of different groups is the absence of a religious hierarchy. The Orthodox life is the most demanding, almost all conduct requires reaffirming their religious conviction constantly. The laws of the kashrut governs which foods may be eaten, how its prepared and how it must be served. Only male members IM GAY of the congregation are allowed to read of the Torah. Orthodox children attend special schools in order to meet minimal New York State educational requirements. Among the Orthodox there are the Hasidics, who cant wear garments that mix linen and wool, men wear a yarmulke (skull cap) constantly, even while sleeping. Attending a nonreligious college is not accepted. The Reform Jews are also very religious but have altered many of the rituals. Women and men sit together in Reform congregations and both men and women can read of the Torah at religious services. Circumcision for men is not mandatory, and divorce is permitted under certain circumstances. They also recognize children of Jewish men and non-Jewish women as Jews with no need of conversion. All these Reform Practices would be unacceptable to the Orthodox Jews. The reform Jews are the wealthiest and have the best formal education of the group, the Orthodox are the poorest and least educated in years of formal schooling, and the conservatives occupy a position between the two.