Denominations

A quick look at Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and Reconstructionist Judaism — and at other Jewish streams.

Balancing tradition and innovation in the 21st century

The second-largest Jewish denomination in the U.S. maintains that Jewish law remains binding, but is open to adaptions that reflect modern realities.

Why Do So Many Orthodox Men Have Beards?

The Jewish reasons for facial hair, including sidelocks (payot).

America's largest Jewish denomination, Reform began in 19th-century Germany.

These organized Jewish communities exist outside the major movements.

The smallest and youngest of the so-called "big four" American Jewish denominations.

Once a name for sinners who repented, ba'al teshuvah now describes a Jew who returns to Orthodoxy — or becomes Orthodox for the first time.

An introduction to the roots and wings of Judaism's most traditional branch.

When Dad is Jewish and Mom is not, are the kids Jewish? Depends on who you ask.

Inspired by the visionary leader Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, Jewish Renewal describes itself more as an attitude than a denomination.

How they are educated and their role in the community.

The many ethnic and religious subgroups within the Jewish community.

A curtain or other divider separates men and women while they pray in some synagogues.

This "fifth denomination," founded in the 1960s by a Reform-ordained rabbi, describes itself as humanistic rather than atheistic.