Explain why Jews may observe the Sabbath in different ways

As a result of this strict following of the law means that the orthodox Jews have strict ways of following the Sabbath. On this day they will always eat Kosher meals, as at all other times in the year, they will not drive a car, this is thought to resemble lighting a fire- forbidden to do on Sabbath in Torah, and this can be seen because the car parks at Orthodox Synagogues are always closed during Shabbat. The Jews will also not be allowed to cook, write or turn on lights as the Torah forbids that any creative work may be done at Shabbat because as God rested on this day then why should the Jews work. The above three examples are forbidden because they either result in fire being made, which is not allowed, or can have a creative effect, i.e. letter to politician. Other everyday happenings not allowed are turning on/ watching television and driving a car. These are both because they use electricity or petrol and so mean a flame being created to start them.

Progressive Jews are those that have broken off from the orthodox Jewish community. Their main difference to the orthodox Jews is that they do not believe that the Torah is the exact word of God. However, Progressive Jews are still as strict about moral laws for the community but less concerned about ritual laws. Progressive Jews believe that as the rules have been intended for man then the ancient rabbis have written the Torah. They also believe that Judaism should change in order to accommodate modern society and so each generation of Jews should choose their own laws to follow. For example, some Progressive Jews might choose not to follow the 'Kosher' laws and eat food products that Progressive Jews who do follow 'Kosher', would not, such as pork and bacon. (Jewish law believes the pig to be an unclean animal and so does not allow Jews to eat its meat, or that of any other unclean animal.)

As a result of their different beliefs in the Torah the Progressive Jews will probably be less strict with their laws on Shabbat. Some progressive Jews might not follow kosher meals although many still will. Others will still drive to work, light a lamp or write a letter. The items that are forbidden in the Talmud are known as 'Melachah', which translates as 'work', this is because Jews are supposed to abstain from work on the Sabbath.

Another main difference would be in the Synagogue. The service would often be in the vernacular language, whereas in orthodox synagogues the service is often in Hebrew, women would sit with men and sometimes there may be a female rabbi.

However even with these difference s the fundamentals of Orthodox and Progressive Jews is the same. These are the family and the centrality of the Sabbath to the continuation of the Jewish faith.

Thomas Cullen RE Coursework Q 2