Orthodox Judaism is a traditional branch of Judaism that strictly follows the written and oral laws and traditions as they have been passed down over centuries. Here is an overview of Orthodox Judaism and what the Bible teaches about its key beliefs and practices:
The Bible and Rabbinic Literature
Orthodox Judaism considers both the written Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) and the oral Torah (rabbinic teachings contained in the Talmud and other writings) to be divinely inspired and equally binding. Orthodox Jews believe God gave Moses the Torah, both written and oral, at Mount Sinai. The rabbis are charged with interpreting and applying the laws of the Torah.
Torah Observance
Orthodox Judaism places great emphasis on meticulously observing the 613 commandments contained in the Torah. This includes keeping kosher dietary laws, observing the Sabbath, celebrating festivals, and following family purity laws. Orthodox Jews believe faithful Torah observance is a way to sanctify daily life and draw closer to God. As it is written, “You shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine” (Leviticus 20:26).
Importance of Community and Tradition
Orthodox Judaism stresses the importance of being part of a close-knit Jewish community and conforming to established traditions. It resists innovations that might undermine traditional Jewish identity and values. As the book of Proverbs states, “My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching” (Proverbs 6:20). Respect for tradition is seen as a fence around the Torah.
Gender Roles
Orthodox Judaism maintains traditional gender roles based on key biblical passages. Men take on most leadership roles and public religious obligations, while women focus more on the family. As it is written, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15) and “Build a house and live in it…and then you shall know there is peace in the home” (Job 5:24).
Halacha (Jewish Law)
In Orthodox Judaism, Halacha, as interpreted by the rabbis, governs all areas of a Jew’s life from the moment they wake up to when they go to sleep. Halacha dictates practices related to prayer, food, rituals, business dealings, family relations, holidays, and more. Halacha is seen as the practical application of the Torah’s commandments.
The Synagogue
The synagogue is the center of Orthodox Jewish religious life. Orthodox synagogues have separate seating for men and women, reflecting traditional norms of modesty and gender roles. Prayers are chanted in Hebrew according to centuries-old liturgy. The Torah scrolls are kept in the holy ark at the front.
Sabbath Observance
Orthodox Jews go to great lengths to avoid violating the biblical Sabbath prohibitions against creative work, travel, spending money, and using electricity, among other things. They refrain from all forms of labor and kindle Sabbath lights before sunset on Friday evening. It is a day focused on prayer, rest, family time, Torah study, and enjoyment of meals.
Kashrut – Jewish Dietary Laws
Orthodox Jews closely adhere to the Torah’s kosher dietary restrictions, which determine which foods are fit for consumption. Only certain animals may be eaten, they must be slaughtered in a precise manner, and dairy and meat cannot be mixed. An extensive body of rabbinic law delineates all aspects of kosher observance. Keeping kosher requires commitment but is seen as integral to holy living.
Jewish Holidays
Orthodox Jews observe all of the festivals mandated in the Torah, including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Passover, and Shavuot. The rituals and restrictions associated with each holiday are carried out with meticulous attention. Holiday observances focus on themes such as spiritual reflection, thanksgiving, and connecting with biblical history.
Modesty Laws
Orthodox Judaism adheres closely to the Torah’s standards of tzniut which promote modesty and privacy. Women dress modestly and married women cover their hair. Physical contact between men and women is restricted. These practices foster dignity and respect between the genders while reducing sexual objectification.
Family Purity Practices
Orthodox married couples follow the Torah’s laws on family purity which regulate marital intimacy. Women observe the mikvah ritual bath following menstruation and childbirth. Couples abstain from physical contact during the women’s niddah period. These laws elevate the sanctity of marriage.
Sounding of the Shofar
A highlight of the Jewish High Holidays is the sounding of the shofar, a musical instrument typically made from a ram’s horn. It is blown in a prescribed sequence as part of the Rosh Hashanah service. The shofar blast is a deeply symbolic and stirring reminder for Jews to repent and prepare spiritually for the upcoming Day of Atonement.
Use of Hebrew Language
Hebrew is considered the sacred tongue of the Jewish people. Orthodox Jews use Hebrew predominantly in prayer services, Torah study, blessings, and when studying traditional Jewish texts. Familiarity and fluency with Hebrew enables direct connection with the words of Scripture and centuries of Rabbinic wisdom.
Tefillin
As commanded in the Torah, tefillin are small leather boxes containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with Torah verses. They are worn by observant Jewish men during morning prayers as a reminder of God’s presence and the obligation to observe His commandments. The hand tefillin box has leather straps wound around the arm and fingers.
Kashrut Certification
To enable Orthodox Jews to eat only certified kosher foods, an extensive system of kashrut supervision exists. Rabbis inspect food production facilities and certify products that meet the stringent standards of kosher dietary laws. Kosher certification symbols provide essential guidance to consumers in the marketplace.
Torah Education
Education is hugely valued in Orthodox Judaism as a way to pass down religious commitment to future generations. Much emphasis is put on intensive Torah study, often starting from a young age for boys and girls. This enables maintaining theological continuity and Jewish identity through the generations.
Shabbat Rituals
Special rituals mark the Shabbat day of rest. Candles are lit 18 minutes before sunset on Friday evening. Following the synagogue service, families partake of a festive meal complete with ritual wine, challah bread, and song. Saturday is spent in prayer, Torah study, festive meals, and family togetherness.
Chicken Soup Culture
Chicken soup enjoys iconic status in Ashkenazi Jewish food culture. It is commonly served on Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and whenever celebration or comfort are called for. Rich broth, carrots, noodles or kreplach dumplings, and chicken pieces make it the ultimate soul food. It exemplifies the importance of food in Jewish cultural and religious experience.
Hasidic Movement
Hasidic Judaism originated in 18th century Eastern Europe and is renowned for its mystical piety, joyous worship, and charismatic leaders. Adherents, known as Hasidim, follow teachings of holy rebbes descended from Israel Baal Shem Tov. Distinctive dress and rituals set Hasidim apart. The largest concentrations today are found in New York, Israel, and London.
Focus on Family Life
In Orthodox Jewish culture, family is a top priority. Couples marry young and have large families. Children are valued as blessings from God. Tight-knit extended families provide support and strength. Shabbat and holidays revolve around quality family time. Strong families pass Jewish commitment from generation to generation.
Belief in the Messiah
Orthodox Judaism maintains belief that a descendant of King David will one day arise as a Jewish Messiah or savior. The Messiah will reign over a messianic age of global peace and spiritual enlightenment, and rebuild the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Until then, Jews await his coming while seeking to make the world more just and compassionate.
Tzedakah – Charitable Giving
Giving charity is a vital religious obligation in Judaism called tzedakah. Jews are required to generously support the poor and needy in their community. Many Orthodox Jews give at least ten percent of their income to charitable causes. Both individuals and synagogues have tzedakah funds to enable this essential mitzvah.
The Western Wall
The Western Wall in Jerusalem is the holiest site where Jews can pray today, as it borders the site of the ancient Holy Temple. Prayer notes are inserted among the stones. When visiting the Wall, Orthodox Jews passionately recite prayers, often moved to tears by proximity to the sacred. The Wall symbolizes Jewish faith and continuity.
Shulchan Aruch
The Shulchan Aruch is the authoritative 16th century codification of Orthodox Jewish law and custom. It delineates every aspect of observant Jewish life including holy days, marriage, kashrut, tefillin, Torah study, morning rituals, and laws of ethics. It continues to guide Orthodox practice today.
Torah Scrolls
The Torah scroll is the most sacred object in Judaism. Each one is handwritten on parchment by a trained scribe and contains the Five Books of Moses. The scrolls are kept in the ark at the front of the synagogue and read publicly on Mondays, Thursdays, Shabbat, and holidays. Their meticulous production reflects the cherished status of the Torah.
Regular Synagogue Attendance
Attending services at least twice daily is customary practice for observant Orthodox Jewish men. Shacharit services are held mornings and Minchah in the afternoons. Prayer in quorums of at least 10 men reaffirms faith, community, and connection to Jewish heritage. Both men and women attend Shabbat services.
Beards and Sidelocks
In adherence to injunctions against shaving and haircutting, Orthodox Jewish men grow beards and sidelocks called payot. Besides affirming religious identity, peyot recall the biblical command “You shall not round off the peyot of your head” (Leviticus 19:27). Beards and head coverings remind men of humility before God.
Bris Milah Ritual Circumcision
According to biblical commandment, Bris Milah is a ritual circumcision performed by a mohel on 8-day-old male infants. Prayers and blessings sanctify the physical act. It commemorates the covenant between God and Abraham. The occasion is joyfully celebrated by family and community.
Learning Talmud
The Talmud records discussions by ancient rabbis debating and elucidating Jewish law and practice. Orthodox Jews, especially men, dedicate much time to studying this complex, intellectually demanding text. Talmud study sharpens minds, clarifies halacha, and unites Jews across geographic boundaries.
An Insular Community
By adhering strictly to Jewish law and ritual, Orthodox Jews maintain separation from Gentile society. They socialize and study primarily within their community and prefer to live in proximity to synagogues and each other. This insularity fosters strong communal identity but also distrust of outside values.
In Conclusion
This detailed overview covers the core theological aspects, religious rituals, cultural elements, and daily lifestyle practices that define traditional Orthodox Judaism for its observant adherents. Based on careful adherence to Jewish law as guided by centuries of rabbinic leadership, Orthodox Jews order their lives around their faith in profound ways. Their profound devotion is rooted in the eternal teachings of the Torah and a desire to fulfill God’s covenantal commands linking Jews across generations.