Orthodox Judaism

Orthodox Judaism

Jewish cemetery in Budapest, c. 1920; the word "Orthodox" (ארטאדאקסען) is on the wall, second to the left.
Total population
2+ million practicing, ~4-5 million affiliated
Founder
The Vilna Gaon, the Chasam Sofer, Akiva Eiger, and other 18th-19th century traditionalist leaders
Regions with significant populations
Israel	2 million
United States	1 million
France	500,000
United Kingdom	300,000
Canada	250,000
Religions
Judaism
Scriptures
Torah, Talmud
Languages
Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, English, French, Russian, Arabic, and other languages
Related ethnic groups
Hasidic Judaism, Dati Leumi, Conservative Judaism, Reform Judaism
The population numbers are estimates based on observant members.

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Orthodox Judaism is the collective term for the traditionalist branches of contemporary Judaism. Theologically, it is chiefly defined by regarding the Torah, both Written and Oral, as revealed by God to Moses on Mount Sinai and faithfully transmitted ever since.

Orthodox Judaism, therefore, advocates a strict observance of Jewish law, or halakha, which is supposed to be exclusively interpreted and determined according to traditional methods and it is supposed to be adhered to according to the continuum of precedents which have been received through the ages. It regards the entire halakhic system as a system of law which is ultimately grounded in immutable revelation, essentially beyond external influence. Key practices are observing the Sabbath, eating kosher, and Torah study. Key doctrines include a future Messiah who will restore Jewish practice by building the temple in Jerusalem and gathering all the Jews to Israel, belief in a future bodily resurrection of the dead, divine reward and punishment for the righteous and the sinners.

Orthodox Judaism encompasses a broad spectrum of religious practices, ranging from the insular Haredi communities to the more outwardly engaged Modern Orthodox groups. While all Orthodox Jews adhere to halakha, the interpretation and application of these laws vary, leading to different levels of interaction with the modern world. For example, Haredi communities emphasize even stricter adherence to tradition and often live in enclaves that limit exposure to secular society. In contrast, Modern Orthodox Jews balance observance with professional careers and education, and many advocate for active participation in broader society. The common thread uniting these groups is the belief that the Torah, both written and oral, is divine and immutable.^[1]

While it adheres to traditional beliefs, the movement is a modern phenomenon. It arose as a result of the breakdown of the autonomous Jewish community since the 18th century, and it was greatly shaped by a conscious struggle against the pressures of secularization and the lure of rival alternatives. The strictly observant Orthodox are a definite minority among all Jews, but there are also numerous semi- and non-practicing individuals who affiliate or identify with Orthodoxy. It is the largest Jewish religious group, estimated to have over two million practicing adherents, and at least an equal number of nominal members.