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Contemporary Issues in Western Religions

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Contemporary Issues in Western Religions
Contemporary Issues in Western Religions
REL134
August 6, 2012

Contemporary Issues in Western Religions
Contemporary Struggles within Judaism
The contemporary struggle that Judaism faces is women’s rights throughout the divisions of Judaism. Judaism is broken into four branches or divisions (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist) (Malloy, M, 2010). Within the divisions are variations of religious observances including views of women and the roles and actions are considered acceptable and unacceptable within each branch (Malloy, M, 2010).
The Orthodox division of Judaism focuses on the traditional Jewish beliefs and practices. Orthodox Judaism retains the practice of seating men and women separately in synagogues (Malloy, M, 2010). Often time’s women sit in upstairs galleries away from men and away from their family (Malloy, M, 2010). This thought process carries over to the social roles that men and women hold within Orthodox Judaism, men are the “breadwinners” of the family while women have the responsibilities associated with running the household (Malloy, M, 2010). Orthodox Judaism only allows men to celebrate the coming-of-age ceremony (bar mitzvah) (Malloy, M, 2010). Some Orthodox Judaism married women cover their heads with a kerchief when outside of their homes as an expression of modesty because hair is considered to be seductive to men (Malloy, M, 2010).
Conservative Judaism consists of Jews who desired moderate change with the protection of the “beloved” traditions (Malloy, M, 2010). Conservative Judaism accepts change only after they have studied and discussed how to guide the change carefully (Malloy, M, 2010).
Reform Judaism emerged by Jews desiring to enter the “mainstream” culture leaving the “ghetto” life (Malloy, M, 2010). Reform Judaism brought radical changes after questioning every traditional Jewish belief and practice (Malloy, M, 2010). Reform Judaism allows men and women to sit together during services


References: Goldman, K. (2009). Reform Judaism in The United States. Retrieved from http://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/reform-judaism-in-united-states Malloy, M. (2010). Experiencing the World 's Religions. Tradition, Challenge, and Change Fifth Edition. Retrieved from Malloy, M, REL134-World Religious Traditions II website.
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