Orthodox Judaism

Torah

For Orthodox Jews, the Torah is divine and unchanging. They believe that God gave the Torah directly to Moses on Mount Sinai, and therefore its laws, known as the mitzvot, are eternal and must always be followed. This makes Orthodox Judaism different from more liberal branches such as Reform Judaism, where some laws may be reinterpreted for modern times. For Orthodox Jews, the Torah and the Talmud (rabbinic commentary) provide the foundation for all aspects of life, from morality and prayer to food and family life.

Messiah

Another important belief is in the Messiah (Mashiach). Many Orthodox Jews hold that a future Messiah will one day come to fulfil God’s promises to Israel. This Messiah is expected to be a human leader, descended from King David, who will restore the Temple in Jerusalem, gather all Jews back to the land of Israel, and bring about an era of world peace and justice. While belief in the Messiah has always been central in Judaism, Orthodox teaching places a strong emphasis on waiting faithfully and preparing for his coming through obedience to God’s laws.

Practices

Orthodox Jews aim to live in accordance with halakhah, or Jewish law. This includes observing the 613 mitzvot, which cover every area of life. For example, dietary laws (kashrut) regulate what can and cannot be eaten, such as avoiding pork and shellfish and ensuring meat and dairy are not mixed. Festivals such as Pesach (Passover) or Yom Kippur are also observed with great care, following the traditional rituals and prayers.

Shabbat

One of the most distinctive practices is the observance of Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest, from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. On Shabbat, Orthodox Jews avoid all forms of work (melachot), including cooking, writing, and using electricity, so preparations are made beforehand. The focus is instead on prayer, rest, study of Torah, and spending time with family. Shabbat meals are central, beginning with the lighting of candles, blessings over wine and bread (kiddush and challah), and singing traditional songs.

Worship

Worship in Orthodox Judaism also follows traditional patterns. Services are held in Hebrew, and in most Orthodox synagogues, men and women sit separately. Prayers are usually led by men, often with a cantor (chazzan), and men are required to cover their heads with a kippah or tallit. Women play a different but equally important role within the religious community, often focusing on the home and family, where practices such as lighting Shabbat candles or maintaining a kosher kitchen are seen as spiritually significant. However, the extent of women’s roles can vary within different Orthodox communities, with some allowing greater participation in education and study than others.

Summary

Orthodox Judaism is characterised by its commitment to preserving traditional Jewish beliefs and practices. By following the Torah and halakhah strictly, Orthodox Jews seek to remain faithful to God’s covenant with Israel. Belief in the Messiah, observance of Shabbat, dietary laws, and distinct roles in worship and family life all help to shape Orthodox Jewish identity, connecting them to thousands of years of tradition and setting them apart from more liberal Jewish movements.