The Complexity of Orthodox Judaism

When first going onto the Orthodox Union's website, www.ou.org, I felt like there a hundred things being thrown out at me.  It's not necessarily a clustered website, but it is one in which it seems like there could potentially be a little too much for one site.  I initially thought that it was just me overreacting about how much there is in such little space, but as I continue to think about it, I do believe in fact that the website does reflect the ideas of Orthodox Judaism.  Of the interaction I've had with Orthodox Judaism, they often tend to throw many ideas out at you at once.

The website is very different than the Reform and Conservative websites.  I have noticed a trend between the three - the Reform website has the least information, followed by the Conservative website having a pretty standard amount of information, and lastly there is the Orthodox movement - which has a website with an overwhelming amount of information.  For me, it's not easy to follow with so much information.  I feel like there should be a good starting point in terms of exploring the website, when in fact I have no idea where to begin.

Interestingly enough, one of the first things that caught my eye on the website was on the right side of the page - a link for "Kosher Alerts."  It amused me at first, but then I realized that for some people, this is crucial for their way of living.  Underneath, it listed recent food items, such as Pillsbury Sweet Minis and TRU Chocolate, the two newest items that have been deemed "not Kosher" by the Orthodox Union.  I realized that perhaps many people rely on this website for information on a daily basis, and for me to judge that is completely wrong.

I tried to learn more about Orthodox Judaism, but after a while I just got completely frusturated with the website and gave up.  I probably shouldn't have done that, but I do not think websites that do that to an individual are not helpful.  I do not completely know if this is a way of getting people NOT to be part of the Orthodox community or what, but there is a lack of communication between the Orthodox movement and the rest of society.

There's More Than Ramah?

When I lived on the Jewish Studies floor last year, I was surrounded by Conservative Jews who all attended Camp Ramah.  It was if they lived and breathed Ramah, and it's all I heard about.  My roommate and I would often joke about how we were the "odd ones out," for we both grew up in the Reform movement.  Some of my floor-mates convinced me to try going to Conservative services at Hillel, and once again I felt like the "odd one out," since I didn't know half of the prayers and Hebrew being said.  I knew there was something more, but I felt as if no matter what, I would never truly fit in with the ideas of Conservative Judaism.  

While exploring the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism's website, it struck my attention that the words "Come home to Conservative Judaism" are often displayed on the top of the page.  It was a lot different than the Reform Judaism website, for I felt more disconnected, lost and confused about what was going and what was trying to be said or expressed.  While there were things that made sense to me and I agreed with, the majority of the website made no sense.  If I were someone exploring my choices of Judaism, I do not think this website is a great example of Conservative Judaism.  It should make it look appealing, yet I do not get that feel from the site.  

However, I did enjoy exploring the ShefaNetwork website.  It reminded me of the Reform Judaism blog website, but offering Conservative perspectives on major issues that could be brought up in Judaism.  I know there is more than being part of USY and going to Ramah over the summer, but this really brought to my attention all that Conservative Judaism has to offer.  I do not think one branch of Judaism is better than the others, and I think it is crucial to learn about the different types of Judaism.  I felt like I've been trapped in a Reform bubble, and the website did help to open my eyes to see what is out there.

Reform Judaism

I've grown up as a Reform Jew.  Ever since the days of Mommy & Me at my synagogue in Los Angeles, CA, I've been a Reform Jew, or at least of what I remember.  I did it all - Sunday School, Hebrew School, Bat Mitzvah, post-Bat Mitzvah education, all the way to confirmation.  I also attend a URJ affiliated camp in Northern California, Camp Newman-Swig.  

In class today, we talked a lot about the website reformjudaism.org, and how it depicts Reform Judaism.  A quote that was brought up was "choice through knowledge," one which I think is very important when discussing what Reform Judaism is and how it is important to understanding the overall concept of Judaism in America.  Many believe that the reason why the Reform movement is so large is due to the fact that so many people can find one small thing to relate to, and automatically decide Reform Judaism is the path for them; however, I think differently.  Even though I grew up in the Reform movement, I think a huge part of deciding if Reform Judaism is the best choice for me is education behind the ideals of Reform Judaism.  There is so much that Reform Judaism has to offer, yet people really have to understand it and not just assume it's the right thing for them.

When living on the Jewish Studies FIG last year, I encountered some people who doubted my own religious beliefs.  They truly didn't understand how I could be a Reform Jew and do things I do to celebrate and practice Judaism.  I do understand they have different morals and beliefs, but what really struck me was how they seemed so ignorant to the idea that Reform Judaism has a lot to offer.  I truly appreciate the fact that while many of us in this class have different religious beliefs, we still respect each other for doing things differently.  Reform Judaism is not a bad thing or is not the wrong way to go - it's a more liberal, modern way of Judaism that has to be accepted by individuals, and the larger community.

Introduction

Hi there,

Just a brief introduction - my name is Lauren, and I'm a sophomore at IU.  I'm majoring in Jewish Studies and minoring in non-profit management and history.  I am a member of the sorority Alpha Delta Pi, and I'm currently in charge of the Jewish Life Council at Hillel.  I'm from Los Angeles, CA, and attended Milken Community High School, a private Jewish high school in the area.  I was never really involved with youth groups, but I've grown up attending Jewish summer camps.  I attended Camp Hess Kramer for 4 years, and this past summer was my 8th summer attending URJ Camp Newman/Swig, which is affiliated with the Reform movement.  This was my second summer as a counselor, and also did the Avodah (work) and CIT programs there.

I decided to take this class for a few reasons.  I knew people who took it last year and really loved the uniqueness of the class.  As a Jewish Studies major, it is important to find classes for my major that I really can see myself enjoying and that can help relate to my future.  I'm really excited for all that will come out of this course, and I hope this semester is great for everyone!