The Modern Orthodox Movement

“In order to continue to be viable within society, the beliefs and practices of a religious tradition must remain dynamic.”
This quotation is relevant to four of the branches of Judaism; Orthodox, Conservative, Progressive/Reform and Reconstructionist. These groups are formed depending on how strict their application is of halakhah - the study of laws and putting them into practice. However, The Orthodox Movement is not comprised with one governing body. Rather it has many different movements that all have the same beliefs and observances. Therefore differences occur thus creating other sub-branches such as the Modern Orthodox movement. Modern Orthodox Judaism is dynamic along side Conservative, Progressive/Reform and Reconstructionist.
Lisa Katz, an About.com columnist, writes that “Orthodox Judaism views itself as the continuation of the beliefs and practices of normative Judaism, as accepted by the Jewish nation at Mt. Sinai and codified in successive generations in an ongoing process that continues to this day”.2 Orthodoxy does not aim to be viable within society and rejects the modern world, preferring to segregate themselves. However, although to secular society, Orthodox Jews appear to be incapable of being remotely dynamic, they have their own interpretation of what it means to be dynamic and viable today. Orthodox Jews believe they are viable in society today as they have constant assurance of Orthodox Judaism continuing into future generations as a continuous stream of Jewish children grow up in the synagogue and are affiliated into Orthodoxy via their Bah mitzvah. Viability means to be capable of working successfully just as Orthodox Judaism has proved it can, being sustained since 1851 C.E.
The Movement for Reform Judaism website is encouraging to the secular society declaring, “the Movement for Reform Judaism supports individuals, rabbis and synagogues in 42 communities across the UK to meet their spiritual, social and educational needs and to reach out to new members and the wider community. It is inclusive and welcome anyone on a Jewish journey of any sort.”12 It is evident that most Reform Jews believe in being dynamic in order to stay viable in society as they teach that “the will of God is constantly unfolding and each generation has to hear God’s voice in its own time…Scientific knowledge and modern insights are part of God’s revelation too.”13 Reform Jews embrace modernization and incorporate it into and around their religion. An example of this is their acceptance of homosexuality. They are aware that it is described in the bible as being an abomination and regarded as a perversion but they also understand that for some people they are just naturally orientated that way and it is unavoidable for them. They acknowledge that they have the right to be in this world and worship and be loved by God just as much as Heterosexuals. Most Reform Jews believe that the Bible is an authoritative text, but however does not have the final authority.14 Rabbi Dr Jonathan Ramain declares that “tradition has a vote, not a veto”.15 Reform Jews see the modern world of not something to