Branches of Judaism

First Temple

At the beginning the First Temple Period, identity is primarily derived from tribes. There are 12 Tribes of Israel, based on the 12 sons of Jacob. Each tribe has an assigned land, except the tribe of Levi which serves in the Temple and in cities scattered throughout the land.

The invasion of Israel by Assyria (in 722 BCE) wipes out ten of the twelve tribes (the “Ten Lost Tribes”). These tribes are exiled and disappear. Only Judah, Benjamin, and the Levites remain in the South.

The terms “Jew” refers to Yehudi, a member of the tribe of Judah. This reflects their predominance after the disappearance of the Ten Lost Tribes. All Jews are now considered Yehudim, regardless of original tribe. The only tribal distinction left is Leviim, and Kohanim. These are priests, which are required to be of patrilineal descent from Aaron. They are a subcategory of Levites. Other Levites assist Kohens for the Temple service.

During the period from 722 BCE (Assryian Exile) up to 586 BCE (Babylonian Exile), the main distinction is thus between the Kohens/Levites and the others. The main counterweight to their power were prophets, who criticized empty ritualism and promoted over aspects of religion.

Second Temple

During Second Temple Judaism (530s BCE to 70 CE), the main sects were:

• Pharisees. Very popular among laypeople. Democratic approach to religion, which contrasts with priestly elitism (clashed with cohens, but supported what would become rabbis). Only group that believes in the the Oral Law. Believes in resurrection of the dead, angels, spirits, etc.
• Sadducees. Priestly aristocratic class, in control of the Temple. Rejected ideas of life after death, angels, etc. Strong political alliance with Roman authorities.
• Essenes. Ascetic way of life.
• Zealots. Militant armed Anti-Roman faction. Of these four factions, only Pharisees survived post-70 CE.

There were also:

• Early Christians
• The Samaritans. Community distinct from the Jews. Only recognises the Torah, and not the rest of the Tanakh.

The streams of modern Judaism come from the Pharisaic movement, which became known as Rabbinic Judaism. Rabbinic Judaism developed after the destruction of the Temple (70 CE). Although the Oral Torah was not supposed to be written down, it was after this event for the sake of preservation. The main text of Rabbinic Judaism is the Talmud, which is composed of the Mishnah (first written codification of the Oral Law around 200CE) followed by a rabbinic commentary and discussion (the “Gemara”) of the Mishnah: Talmud = Mishnah + Gemara.

Non-Rabbinic Judaism does not recognize the Oral Torah. The main Non-Rabbinical sect today is Karaite Judaism (“to read/recite)“. Karaite is a reactionary movement that appeared in the 8th century.

Over 99% of Jews today are Rabbinic Jews.

In the centuries after the destruction of the Second Temple, all Jews belong to Rabbinic Judaism, which is the only surviving framework. There is little diversity in the community.

Medieval period (500-1700s)

Geographic diversity:

• Ashkenazi
• Sepharadi
• Mizrahi

Rationalists vs. Kabbalists (rise of kabbalism during this period?)

Saadia Gaon, Maimonides, Spanish-Jewish synthesis, or the Zohar’s publication (~13th c.) cultural centers (Babylonia, Al-Andalus, Safed)

Early Modern 1700s-1800s

Traditionalists vs Enlightenerrs the Haskalah, the rise of Hasidism, or the Vilna Gaon

Modern classification

The most universal classification is between the sub-groups of Orthodox Judaism. They follow halakha, so all variation is clear and codified.

The classification of those who don’t strictly follow halakha is less clear, less strict. Terms such as conservative/reform (U.S.) and traditional (Israel) are used.

Conservative : Solomon Schechter, historical-critical method Reconstructionism of Mordecai Kaplan

In the U.S.

• Orthodox. Torah is divine and unchangeable, strict adherence to halakha is necessary. Only rabbis may sometimes interpret.
  • Modern Orthodox: engage with secular society, high education, etc. Yeshiva University.
    • Religious Zionists (or Dati). Halakha but engaged with secularism, so included in Modern Orthodoxy. Particularity is their nationalism: aliyah, IDF, Hebrew, etc.
  • Haredi. “Those who tremble”, like Quakers and Shakers. The “ultra-orthodox” according to outsiders. Insular, reject secular culture. Torah study is the most important activity.
    • Hasidic. “The pious”. 18th century revival by Israel Ben Eliezer, the Baal Shem Tov. Organized in dynasties. Focuses on joy, mysticism, personal connection. Viral videos of circle dancing with high energy show Hasidic Jews. They’re the main ones to wear shtreimel (fur hats). Chabad Houses; Chabad (or Chabad-Lubavitch) is a dynasty of Hasidic Judaism.
    • Non-Hasidic Haredim (Litvish / Yeshivish). Vilna Gaon of Vilnius. Yeshiva-centered life, rabbinic authorities are non-dynastic.. Focuses on intellectual rigor, Talmud study, rationalism.
• Conservative (Judaïsme Massorti). Torah is divine but interpreted in its historical contact. Halakha is binding but evolves
• Reform (or Liberal, Pogressive). Torah is divinely inspired but wirten by humans, and so opened to criticism. Halakha is non-binding, ethics are more important than ritual. Reinterpreted into ethical monotheism. Delphine Horvilleur.

Some other denominations:

• Reconstructionist Judaism. Judaism is a progresively evolving civilization, and not just a religion. God is a cultural concept. Religion is much less important. Halakha is not binding at all.
• Karaite: the only non-Rabbanical branch still existing
• Humanistic. Traditions and holidays are important, but as a way to celebrate their identity; no connection to God.

Clothes:

• Black suit, white shirt, black hat ⇒ Haredim. If there’s a shtreimel or a woman has a shaved head, it’s Hasidic.
• Tzizit + kippah every day ⇒ Modern Orthodox
• Normal Western clothing on non-Sabbath days ⇒ Conservative or Reform

In Israel

• Secular, 45%. Don’t keep halakha.
• Traditional, 35%. Mostly Mizrahi/Sephardi. Don’ t follow halakha strictly. Koshjer and Shabbat but no yeshiva or rabbi.
• Religious, 10% Most are Religious Zionists. Fully halakhic but nationalistic.
• Ultra-religious, 10%. Corresponds to Haredim. Anti- or non-Zionist. God-believing Ashkenazi Jews who are not Haredi or Religious Zionist are rare

All major Jewish groups that are not pro-Zionist today are Haredi, mostly Hasidic. Non-Hasidic Haredis are mostly non-zionist. Hasidics which are anti-Zionist believe that a state of Israel must not be made before the coming of the Messiah, doing so is a rebellion against God. Chabad is the main exception. Chabad is not anti-Zionist: they are strongly nationalist and pro-IDF, settlements, and aliyah (although Chabad is not outright Zionist either)

In France

The Consistoire is a centralized Modern Orthodox structure. Most synagogues belong to the Consistoire. Masorti and Reform are much smaller.

The main classifications are practicing or not, Sephardi/Ashkenazi, consistorial/non-consistorial.