Global Diversity of Jews
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 1.2.36
Global Diversity of Jews
Jews share monotheistic beliefs in only one God but globally and vary in origin and commitment to the Torah.
Sephardic Jews
- In terms of European origins, Jews from the Holy Land settled in the region of Spain around the 3rd century.
- Jews settled in Europe became known as Sephardic Jews, as persecution spread them across the continent.
Ashkenazi Jews
- The second group of Jews arose around the 10th century, in Germany and France.
- The second group of Jews became known as Ashkenazi Jews.
- Ashkenazi Jews developed the Yiddish language.
Different groups
- In terms of beliefs and commitment to the Torah, there are different groups around the world:
- Ultra-Orthodox or Hasidic Jews
- Orthodox Jews
- Conservative Jews
- Reform Jews
Application of the Torah
- On a sliding scale, Ultra-Orthodox Jews stick the closest to the literal application of the Torah.
- The most liberal approach is taken by Reform Jews.
Orthodox Jews
- Orthodox Jews believe that God will send a descendant of David as the Messiah to usher in a new age of peace for them.
- The future Messiah will be a great political leader who will gather all the Jews back to Israel and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
Reform Jews
- Reform Jews believe there will be a future messianic age, a golden age of peace.
- Reform Jews do not believe there will be a persona referred to as the Messiah.
- Reform Jews believe it is the good actions of Jews in keeping the 613 mitzvot that will cause God to usher in this age of peace.
Test yourself on Global Diversity of Jews
Which group of Jews does not believe there will be a persona referred to as the Messiah?
What are some of the different Jewish groups?
What were the Jews from the Holy Land that settled in the region of Spain around the 3rd century called?