Modern Jewish Diversity

Abstract

Through the centuries the Jewish community was united by a common religious tradition. However from the time of the Enlightenment the monolithic system of Judaism underwent a process of fragmentation. As a consequence, Jewry today is divided into a variety of subgroups with their own religious identities. On the far right, ultra-Orthodox Jews adhere to the traditional way of life as outlined in Jewish legal sources. Determined to preserve their identity, these individuals isolate themselves from the main currents of modern life. Like these Orthodox Jews, Traditionalists also follow Jewish law, yet they seek to combine their loyalty to the tradition with an acceptance of contemporary society. Such neo-Orthodoxy strives to achieve a positive accommodation with the modern world. Moving across the religious spectrum, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Reform Jews have in their different ways attempted to reform the tradition in the light of current knowledge: this growing segment of the community advocates positive integration and assimilation. On the far left, Jewish radicals have espoused political and religious strategies for change as well as alternative Jewish lifestyles. Finally, the community also contains many individuals who seek to distance themselves from the faith. Arguably such acute diversity requires the formulation of a new philosophy of Judaism which could embrace these varied and opposing approaches to the Jewish heritage.