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“Orthodoxy and Diversity: How Open Should Our Communities Be?”​

Stay tuned as we will examine what I think our (Morethodox) attitudes should be with regard to non-Jews, intermarried Jews, gay Jews, Jews who do not keep kosher, and Jews who cheat on their taxes.

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Check Out Collection of Views from Religious Expert

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Orthodox Rabbinic Leaders Writing About how they see Judaism, Israel, the Jewish People and Our World.

Studies in Orthodox Judaism

                          The three branches of Judaism

Orthodox, Conservative and Reform – have been at odds for a long time. In many ways, these divisions parallel the East Coast, West Coast rap wars of the 1990s. The coast that gets all the attention is the left coast – home to showy but hollow rappers like Will Smith who only take from their predecessors without giving back. Then there’s the right coast, home to rap titans like Snoop Dogg and Tupac who are actually serious about their craft.

Orthodox

The Orthodox in the analogy would be Tupac; they're what most people think of when you say "Jew." They keep kosher, they pray three times a day, and they make sure every strand of hair is in place. Of course, there's a big difference between the Orthodox and Tupac: Tupac is dead.

Conservative

The Conservative would be Suge Knight then – they're not as flashy as the Orthodox, but that doesn't mean they don't have clout. You won't see them at temple every Saturday or keeping kosher all the time, but they still go to synagogue for holidays and their kids still get a decent Jewish education.

Reform

They're more interested in how they appear than what they actually believe; if you asked them who was the first person to play center field for the Phillies, they couldn't tell you off the top of their heads . And like Will Smith's rapper/actor career, Reform Jews don't make a lot of sense

We believe we must err, in an extreme way, on the side of welcoming.

Womens Participation Ritual
Advocacy Gay Marriage
Homosexuals Orthodox Community
Clamer Fuller Articulation

Being Jewish isn't about being religious or claiming to be descended from Abraham.

It's about culture, history and nationalism – things that have nothing to do with the Ten Commandments (which are pretty much the only thing Tupac had in common with Abraham).

Courses in Judaism

Orthodox Judaism has a set of laws called Halacha which governs every aspect of life, public and private. Learn it from Orthodox Rabbinic Leaders.

Gavriel Altmann

He has S’micha (Rabbinical Ordination), an MSW in social work and an MA in Jewish philosophy from Yeshiva University in New York City. Before coming to St. Louis Rabbi Gavriel Altmann was the Rabbi of India where he and his wife, Sara Winkelman, spent a year working with the Indian Jewish community under the auspices of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.

Zohar Levinsky

He graduated from Drisha’s three-year Scholars Circle Program and, completed five years of studying Jewish law under the supervision of Rabbi Matz Okun. Concurrently, he served the congregation in many pastoral, teaching, and advisory roles. Upon completing her studies, Zohar was ordained by Rabbi Matz Okun and Rabbi Pessach Pazy. She lectures throughout the US and has authored several articles

Deron Resnick

He began his rabbinic career in 1990, as the associate Rabbi at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, New York. The Hebrew Institute is one of the national flagships of Modern Orthodoxy. Rabbi Deron Resnick came to B’nai David – Judea Congregation in Los Angeles in the summer of 1996. He has also introduced changes in synagogue ritual and leadership intended to enhance the role of women in Orthodox life

Got a Question?​ You Just Ask!

The history of the Jews is full of persecution and suffering. The Holocaust which killed 6 million Jews in Europe is a sad page in our history. We document the huge number of human rights violations, hate speech and the disgraceful behavior caused by some bad apples in its midst.

Latest Observations :: Morethodoxy

Are Jews Allowed to Gamble?

There’s a lot of debate surrounding gambling and whether or not it’s ethical. But what about when it comes to Jews? Can they gamble without transgressing any religious laws? In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the key points around gambling and Judaism so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to participate in this activity. We’ll also look at some of the consequences that could come from engaging in gambling as a Jewish person.

The history of gambling in Judaism?

Gambling has been around for centuries, and there’s no doubt that it has a long history within Judaism. However, gambling is not explicitly mentioned in the Torah or other Jewish religious texts. This means there isn’t a clear-cut answer as to whether or not gambling is allowed from a purely religious perspective.

However, there are a number of rabbinic opinions on the matter. Some believe that gambling is permitted under certain circumstances, while others argue that we should avoid it. The majority opinion seems to be that gambling is only permissible if done in moderation and without risking large sums of money.

How have different rabbis interpreted the prohibition against gambling?

Some rabbis have interpreted the prohibition against gambling as applying only to games of chance, such as dice or lotteries. Others believe that gambling is prohibited, even if it involves skill.

The history of gambling in Judaism and how different rabbis have interpreted the prohibition against it is complex. However, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, gambling is seen as a form of theft. When you gamble, you’re taking money that could be used for other purposes (such as supporting your family or giving to charity) and using it for something that has no inherent value.

Additionally, gambling is addictive and can lead to financial ruin. Finally, gambling can lead to criminal activity, another major no-no in Judaism.

So what does this all mean for Jews who want to gamble on popular singaporean casino games? Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to make their own decision about whether or not they think it’s permissible. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved before making final decisions.

Contemporary Jewish attitudes towards gambling?

There is no one answer to this question, as Jewish people have a range of different attitudes towards gambling. Some people believe it is permissible under certain circumstances, while others believe it is a no. The majority opinion seems to be that gambling is only permissible if done in moderation and without risking large sums of money.

It’s important to note that these attitudes are not set in stone and can change over time. Additionally, different Jews may have different opinions on the matter depending on their own experiences or beliefs. Ultimately, it’s up to each Jew to decide whether or not they think gambling is acceptable.

Gambling addiction and its effects on both individuals and families

Gambling addiction is a real problem that can have devastating consequences for individuals and families. If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Several resources are available to help you get on the road to recovery, including therapy, support groups, and hotlines.

Some of the effects of gambling addiction include:

Financial problems

Gambling can lead to serious financial difficulties. Addicts often spend more money on gambling than they can afford to lose, putting them into debt. Additionally, addicts may start borrowing money from friends or family members to fund their habits, which can strain relationships.

Relationship problems

Gambling addiction can also lead to relationship problems. Addicts may start neglecting their partner or spouse in favor of gambling, which can cause arguments and resentment. Additionally, financial problems caused by gambling can put a strain on relationships.

Health problems

Gambling addiction can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Addicts may experience sleep problems, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, they may start using alcohol or drugs to cope with the stress of their addiction, which can lead to even more health problems.

Whether or not Jews are allowed to gamble in today’s world?

There is no easy answer regarding whether or not Jews are allowed to gamble in today’s world. As mentioned before, gambling is seen as a form of theft and can lead to financial ruin. Additionally, gambling can be addictive and lead to criminal activity. However, some rabbis believe that gambling is only prohibited if it involves games of chance. Others believe that gambling is prohibited, even if it involves skill. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to decide whether or not they think gambling is permissible. If you decide to gamble, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved and take steps to ensure that you don’t get addicted or fall into debt.

Conclusion

Gambling can be a complicated issue for Jews, as there is no definitive answer about whether or not it is allowed. Rabbis have interpreted the prohibition against gambling differently, and there are both pros and cons to engaging in this activity. Ultimately, it is up to each Jew to decide whether they want to gamble, taking into account all of the relevant factors. If you choose to gamble, it is important to do so responsibly to avoid financial trouble. Thanks for reading!

Key Beliefs of Orthodox Judaism

What is Orthodox Judaism?

Orthodox Judaism is one of the three major branches of Judaism, alongside Conservative Judaism and Reform Judaism. It is characterized by strict adherence to Jewish law and tradition and a strong emphasis on communal observance and religious study.

Orthodox Jews believe that the Torah – the five books of Moses – was given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai and that it is the authoritative guide for Jewish life and practice. They also believe in the oral tradition – the collective body of rabbinic wisdom and interpretation that has been passed down through the generations.

What is the role of women in Orthodox Judaism? How do they differ from men regarding their religious roles and responsibilities?

Orthodox Judaism generally believes that men and women have different but equally important roles in religious life. For example, men are typically responsible for leading prayer services and studying religious texts, while women are often responsible for running the household and raising the children. However, both men and women are expected to follow Jewish law and tradition, and both sexes are considered equal in the eyes of God. Some Orthodox Jewish communities have begun to allow women to take on more active roles in religious life, such as leading prayer services or teaching classes on Jewish law.

What are some of the most important rituals and traditions observed in Orthodox Judaism?

One of the most important aspects of Orthodox Judaism is the observance of Jewish law or halakha. Halakha governs every aspect of religious life, from what prayers to say and how to dress, what food to eat and how to conduct business dealings. Orthodox Jews also place a great emphasis on ritual practices, such as prayer, study, and acts of charity. In addition, many Orthodox Jews observe traditional Jewish holidays, such as Passover and Hanukkah.

What are some of the key beliefs of Orthodox Judaism?

Orthodox Judaism upholds the authority of the Hebrew Bible (also known as the Old Testament) and the rabbinic tradition (known as the Oral Law). Orthodox Jews believe that God revealed the Oral Law to Moses on Mount Sinai and that it was passed down from generation to generation. Orthodox Judaism also teaches that God is perfect and holy and that humans are imperfect beings capable of doing good or evil. In addition, Orthodox Jews believe in the concept of teshuvah, or repentance, which holds that people can always turn back to God no matter how far they have strayed. Finally, Orthodox Judaism teaches that there will be a day of judgment when all people will be held accountable for their actions. The righteous will be rewarded with eternal life in Paradise. At the same time, the wicked will be condemned to Hell.

How does Orthodox Judaism view homosexuality, and what is the stance on same-sex marriage within the community?

Orthodox Judaism generally views homosexuality as a violation of Jewish law, and most Orthodox rabbis do not officiate at same-sex weddings. However, there is a growing movement within the Orthodox community to accept and embrace gay, lesbian, or bisexual people. This movement is known as “Open Orthodoxy.” While still a minority opinion, Open Orthodoxy is gaining traction in some quarters, and some rabbis now perform same-sex marriages.

What challenges does Orthodox Judaism face in the modern world, and how is it adapting to meet these challenges?

One of the biggest challenges Orthodox Judaism faces in the modern world is the issue of assimilation. Due to the increased interaction between Jews and non-Jews, many Jews adopted the customs and beliefs of the surrounding culture. In response to this challenge, some Orthodox Jewish leaders have called for a greater emphasis on Jewish education and outreach programs to promote Jewish identity. Additionally, many Orthodox Jews have become more active in politics, ensuring that laws and public policies are consistent with Orthodox values. Finally, some Orthodox Jews have been working to create new forms of Jewish expression that are more relevant to contemporary life, such as “spiritual Judaism” or ” eco-kosher” practices.

What is Orthodox Judaism

Orthodox Judaism is one of the major branches of Judaism. It is characterized by strict adherence to Jewish law and tradition. Orthodox Jews believe that the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) was divinely revealed and should be followed literally. They also uphold the oral tradition of the rabbis, which includes the Talmud (a collection of rabbinic writings on Jewish law, ethics, customs, and history).

Orthodox Judaism is the most traditional form of Judaism. It emphasizes close adherence to Jewish law and ritual instead of secular or liberal forms of Judaism. Its adherents view themselves as guardians of authentic Judaism and often look askance at more modern streams of Judaism.

The word “orthodox” comes from the Greekorthodoxos, which means “having the right opinion.” Orthodox Judaism is so named because it adheres to the correct interpretation of Jewish law.

Orthodox Judaism is not a monolithic movement. There are different schools of thought within Orthodoxy, and there is also room for individual interpretation of Jewish law. However, there are certain core beliefs that all Orthodox Jews share.

Some of the most important tenets of Orthodox Judaism include:

  • The belief that the Torah was divinely revealed and contained absolute truths that must be followed literally
  • The belief in the oral tradition of the rabbis and the Talmud as authoritative sources of Jewish law and wisdom
  • The belief that God is omniscient, omnipotent, and benevolent
  • The belief in the eventual coming of the Messiah and the redemption of the world
  • The belief in the immortality of the soul and life after death
  • The observance of Jewish law, including the dietary laws, the laws of ritual purity, and the Sabbath and festival laws

Orthodox Judaism is the largest branch of Judaism, including Hasidic and non-Hasidic groups. Hasidism is a mystical tradition that arose in 18th-century Eastern Europe. Hasidic Jews are characterized by their intense devotion to God and their passion for prayer and study. They often live in insular communities where they can maintain their traditional life.

Non-Hasidic Orthodox Jews, on the other hand, tend to be more modern and open to secular influences. They often live in mixed neighborhoods and send their children to secular schools. Many non-Hasidic Orthodox Jews also work in professions not traditionally associated with Judaism, such as medicine, law, or business.

Orthodox Judaism is the fastest-growing form of Judaism in the world today. It is particularly popular among young people, attracted to its traditional values and practices.

How does Orthodox Judaism differ from other forms of Judaism, and what are the key distinctions between them?

Orthodox Judaism is the most traditional and conservative form of Judaism. It emphasizes strict adherence to Jewish law and tradition instead of more liberal or secular forms of Judaism. Orthodox Jews believe that the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) was divinely revealed and should be followed literally. They also uphold the oral tradition of the rabbis, which includes the Talmud (a collection of rabbinic writings on Jewish law, ethics, customs, and history).

One key distinction between Orthodox Judaism and other forms of Judaism is the role of the rabbi. In Orthodox Judaism, the rabbi is not merely a teacher or advisor but an authoritative figure whose rulings on Jewish law are binding. Another key difference is the importance placed on Jewish law. For Orthodox Jews, Jewish law is not merely a set of suggestions or guidelines but an absolute truth that must be followed without exception.

Exploring the Breadth, Depth and Passion of Orthodox Judaism

What is Orthodox Judaism, and what are its main beliefs and practices?

Orthodox Judaism is one of the oldest forms of Judaism and is characterized by strict adherence to Jewish law. Orthodox Jews believe that the Torah (the five books of Moses) is the divinely-revealed word of God and must be followed exactly as written. They also hold that the oral tradition – a body of teachings handed down from generation to generation – is equally binding.

Orthodox Judaism is a broad and diverse religious movement encompassing a wide range of beliefs and practices. It is the largest and most traditional branch of Judaism, and its members are referred to as Orthodox Jews.

Orthodox Jews are very committed to their faith and observe all major Jewish holidays. They also typically keep a kosher home and follow the traditional modesty rules in dress and behavior. In addition, Orthodox Jews typically pray three times a day – morning, afternoon, and evening – and attend synagogue on Shabbat (the Sabbath).

There are different levels of Orthodox Judaism, and not all Orthodox Jews observe all of the beliefs mentioned above and practices. However, all Orthodox Jews do believe in the fundamental principles of Orthodox Judaism and strive to live their lives following these beliefs.

Orthodox Judaism is characterized by strict adherence to Jewish law or halakha. This includes belief in the divine origin of the Torah or the five books of Moses and the oral tradition passed down from generation to generation. Orthodox Jews also believe that the entire Jewish people are responsible for keeping the commandments, or mitzvot.

In addition to these beliefs, Orthodox Judaism also places a strong emphasis on study and observance. Orthodox Jews are required to learn about their religion and put its teachings into practice in their daily lives. They are also expected to participate in religious rituals and ceremonies, such as prayer, study and giving charity.

How has Orthodox Judaism evolved over the years?

Orthodox Judaism has evolved over the years in response to changing circumstances and the needs of the Jewish people. For example, there has been a growing trend among Orthodox Jews to embrace technology and modernity in recent years while still maintaining their commitment to traditional values and beliefs. This has led to the development of new Orthodox Jewish communities that are more open to the outside world and more willing to engage with non-Orthodox Jews.

At the same time, there are some Orthodox Jews who believe that the changes taking place within Orthodox Judaism are causing it to lose its way and that it is becoming too liberal. These individuals often choose to live in more insular Orthodox communities, where they can practice their faith more traditionally.

Ultimately, Orthodox Judaism will continue to evolve, as it has throughout its long history. However, the core beliefs and values of the Orthodox Jewish faith will remain the same.

Despite its name, Orthodox Judaism is not a monolithic movement. There are different schools of thought within Orthodox Judaism, and each one has its own unique beliefs and practices. However, all Orthodox Jews share a commitment to traditional Jewish law and teachings.

If you would like to learn more about Orthodox Judaism, many resources are available. There are books, websites and organizations that can provide you with information and support. You can also find local Orthodox Jewish communities in many cities and towns across the United States.