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# 10.3 Worship in Orthodox and Reform Synagogues ## Different Jewish Groups Within modern Judaism, there are different religious groups with various interpretations of the faith and worship practices. The main groups in Britain today are Orthodox and Reform Jews. ### Orthodox Judaism Orthodox Ju...

# 10.3 Worship in Orthodox and Reform Synagogues ## Different Jewish Groups Within modern Judaism, there are different religious groups with various interpretations of the faith and worship practices. The main groups in Britain today are Orthodox and Reform Jews. ### Orthodox Judaism Orthodox Judaism is the traditional branch of Jewish practice, largely unchanged from the 18th century. Orthodox Jews emphasize the importance of following the laws and guidance in the Torah and Talmud, which they believe were given directly by God to Moses. They believe there are separate roles for men and women, leading to differing religious duties and responsibilities. ### Reform Judaism Reform Judaism is a type of Progressive Judaism that emphasizes individual choice in how to worship and practice the faith. Reform Jews believe that Jewish practices should adapt to modern life. They believe the overall spiritual and moral code of the Torah and Talmud should be obeyed, but not necessarily each individual law. Reform Judaism advocates for equality for men and women. ## Public Worship Jews typically observe three daily prayer services, often in a synagogue. Synagogue services are led by a rabbi, cantor (chazzan), or a member of the congregation. ## Orthodox Synagogue Services In an Orthodox synagogue, the person leading the service faces the Ark (Aron Hakodesh) and prays facing the same direction as the congregation. The service is conducted in Hebrew, and singing is unaccompanied. Traditionally, men and women sat separately, with women in a separate gallery or back of the synagogue. This arrangement is now sometimes replaced by a symbolic dividing structure. Orthodox Jews believe that separation during prayer prevents distractions and allows worshippers to focus on prayers and connect with God. ## Reform Synagogue Services Many Reform synagogues do not hold daily services, focusing instead on Shabbat and festivals. In Reform synagogues, men and women sit together, and the person leading the service typically faces the congregation. Reform communities often allow greater participation of women in rituals and roles that were traditionally associated with men, such as public Torah readings, being a cantor, or becoming a rabbi. Reform services are shorter and tend to be more structured than Orthodox services. Services may incorporate the country's own language (e.g., English in the UK), and musical instruments may be used, especially in larger synagogues in America. ## Key Differences | Feature | Orthodox | Reform | |---------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Worship times | Daily services | Primarily Shabbat and festivals | | Men and women | Separate seating | Together | | Service conduct | Hebrew, unaccompanied singing | Hebrew and local language, possibly instruments| | Torah reading/leadership | Traditionally only men | Often women too | | Emphasis | Strict adherence to traditional laws | Adapting laws to modern needs | ## Activities 1. Name two different groups of Judaism within Britain today: Orthodox and Reform. 2. Why do these groups have different practices in worship: different interpretations of Jewish law and how that law should be applied in modern life. 3. Who leads worship in a synagogue?: Rabbi, cantor (chazzan), or a member of the congregation. 4. What are the major differences in the worship styles of Orthodox and Reform Judaism?: See the table above. 5. Why do Jews cover their heads in worship?: As a sign of respect for and fear of God, indicating the worshipper recognises that God is above human beings. ## Extension Activity Look up Psalm 150, which is used in morning worship, and explain its message/meaning about how God should be worshiped. ## Study Tip Create a chart of the differences between the beliefs and practices of Orthodox and Reform Jews. This will be a helpful tool for understanding the differences in worship. ## Summary You should now be able to explain the key differences in worship between Orthodox and Reform Judaism.