The Jewish Enlightenment, the Haskala, from the late 18th to the early 20th century, was the catalyst for a wide range of religious, cultural, and political movements. These initially developed in Europe, then migrated to the United States, and then spread to the rest of the Jewish communities, including the State of Israel. The main currents are:

The Orthodox: They maintain that the Written Torah and the Oral Torah (the Talmud) were revealed by God directly to Moses, so the commandments they contain are binding and immutable. They consider Josef Caro’s Shulchan Aruch to be the definitive codification of Jewish law (halakha). They are further divided into two groups: the first are the Haredim, who reject modernity and live segregated from the surrounding society. The second are the Modern Orthodox, who accept modernity while still complying with halakha.

Conservatives: (Masorti Movement). They maintain that the Torah is a divinely inspired creation of man. They accept that the commandments of halacha are binding, but that these can be modified by a collegial body of rabbis to adapt to new circumstances, while remaining consistent with the original values ​​of Judaism. They emphasize that Judaism is constantly evolving, as evidenced by its own history. The movement accepts that both men and women have equal rights in the religious sphere.

Reformists: Also called liberals or progressives, they consider it optional to comply with the commandments of halacha, but they emphasize compliance with the ethical precepts of the Torah and the biblical prophets. They consider everyone equal for religious purposes and use the language of their country more than Hebrew in their prayers. For them, the Torah was written by man.

Reconstructionists: Originating in the United States, they consider Judaism a civilization in progressive evolution. For them, the reason for complying with halacha is more for its historical value than for obligation. Changes in laws and customs are decided by each community. The Torah was not inspired by God, but is the product of the historical and social development of the Jewish people, who are responsible for taking an active and participatory role in its evolution.

But these are not the only options. Other movements have emerged in the United States. One is Jewish Renewal, which emphasizes Kabbalistic and Hasidic concepts, along with an extensive use of music. Another is Humanist Judaism, which offers a non-theistic (Godless) vision and considers Judaism as the historical and cultural experience of the Jewish people. Yet another is Traditionalist Judaism, which emerged from a group of Conservative synagogues and rabbis who distanced themselves from that movement when it granted equal rights to women, including the right to study to become rabbis. A fourth is Open Orthodox Judaism, which aspires to a more prominent role for women, even to the point of serving as rabbis.

Aside from the religious option, we have secular Judaism, which completely distances itself from the religious sphere; Zionism, the national expression of Jewish identity, especially present in Israel and which has many facets (including religious ones); and finally, cultural Judaism, which is expressed in the cultural creations of the Jewish people.

The Jewish menu is very rich in options. You can be: Haredi, Modern Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, Renewalist, Humanist, Traditionalist, Open Orthodox, Secular, Zionist, or Cultural. Some choose only one dish, but others like a bit of everything.

By Marcos Gojman.

Bibliography: Jewish Encyclopaedia and other sources.