What are the core beliefs of Orthodox Judaism?

Definition and Overview

Orthodox Judaism is a broad stream within Judaism that holds closely to traditional teachings, interpretations, and religious practices as passed down through generations. This includes adherence to halakhah (Jewish law) based on the Torah (the five books of Moses), the Oral Law, and extensive rabbinic commentary and decision-making. The guiding view is that God communicated His Word uniquely at Mount Sinai, giving authoritative instruction that remains binding.

Orthodox Judaism views religious observance not merely as a set of customs, but as a covenant established between God and Israel. It generally rejects modern reinterpretations or relaxations of Jewish law, seeing meticulous observance of mitzvot (commandments) as essential.

Beliefs about God

Orthodox Judaism affirms that there is one, all-powerful, eternal God who created the world and sustains all existence. This belief is encapsulated in the Shema, recited daily:

“‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is One.’” (Deuteronomy 6:4)

The oneness of God is central, emphasizing that nothing else shares God’s divine nature. According to Orthodox tradition, God is both transcendent and intimately involved in the affairs of humanity. This view is further developed in classical Jewish sources like the Talmud (e.g., Berakhot 6a), where God’s knowledge and concern extend even to the minor details of daily life.

Revelation and the Torah

In Orthodox Judaism, the Torah is the supreme revelation of God’s will. It comprises the first five books of the Hebrew Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Orthodox Jews affirm that the Torah was given in its entirety to Moses at Sinai under divine inspiration.

Additionally, much emphasis is placed on the written text’s textual preservation over the centuries. Discoveries such as those at Qumran (the Dead Sea Scrolls) highlight the remarkable transmission of the Hebrew Scriptures, underscoring the continuity of the traditionally received Masoretic text.

Oral Law and Rabbinic Tradition

Alongside the written text of the Torah, Orthodox Judaism maintains that an Oral Law was also delivered to Moses. This Oral Law clarifies and expounds on the biblical commandments. It was later codified in the Mishnah (2nd century AD) and extensively discussed in the Talmud (compiled between the 3rd to 5th centuries AD). Rabbinic rulings and responsa over the centuries further refine and apply these teachings to changing conditions.

Orthodox communities view ongoing rabbinic authority as vital. The Talmud declares, for instance, in Pirkei Avot (1:1), that Moses passed down the Torah to Joshua, then to the elders, and then to the prophets and men of the Great Assembly. This chain of transmission supports the consistent application of law and tradition.

Observance of the Commandments (Mitzvot)

Orthodox Jews seek to follow 613 mitzvot found in the Torah, covering all aspects of life: dietary rules (kashrut), Sabbath observance (Shabbat), family purity laws, ethical dealings, and communal worship. Since many of these commandments are tied to the Temple, which no longer stands, there are fewer that can be fully observed in modern times. Still, the day-to-day ethical and ritual obligations remain as instructions that sanctify life and direct one’s relationship with God and neighbor.

Messianic Expectation

Orthodox Judaism holds that a future Messiah (the Mashiach) will come to redeem Israel, restore the Temple in Jerusalem, gather the exiles, and inaugurate a period of worldwide peace and justice. Orthodox teaching does not see this Messiah as divine but as a human leader descended from the line of King David.

Classical texts, such as Maimonides’ 13 principles of faith, specify belief in the coming of the Messiah. This expectation acts as one of the central pillars of hope for Jewish people, praying for the redemption and restoration promised in the Hebrew Bible.

Views on the Afterlife

Although details can differ among rabbinic authorities, Orthodox Judaism typically holds that people possess an immortal soul, and that a future resurrection of the dead will occur in conjunction with the Messianic era. This connects with scriptural references such as “many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake” (Daniel 12:2). Themes of reward, punishment, and ultimate justice are central; righteous deeds in this life are believed to have eternal consequences.

Prayer and Worship

Corporate prayer is central to Orthodox Judaism, particularly communal services held in synagogues. Daily prayer services include morning (Shacharit), afternoon (Mincha), and evening (Maariv) prayers, often accompanied by readings from the Torah throughout the week and more extensively on the Sabbath.

Fasting, observances such as the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and the cycle of festivals (Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot, and others) serve as deep expressions of devotion and reflection. These observances mark the historical acts of God and renew dedication to His commandments.

Ethical Teachings

Orthodox Judaism emphasizes ethical living grounded in the divine commandments. Teachings about charity (tzedakah), justice (mishpat), truthfulness, and lovingkindness (chesed) permeate Jewish law and tradition. Rabbinic texts link moral behavior with one’s worship of God, asserting that a right relationship with the Creator entails caring for humanity and the created order.

Relationship to Scripture and Tradition

Orthodox Judaism maintains continuity with the Hebrew Scriptures (Tanakh) and sees these writings as infallible in all that they teach. The authoritative interpretation, however, is entrusted to learned rabbis, whose scholarship shapes liturgical, ethical, and ceremonial practice. While Orthodox Jews do examine historical context and language, they uphold that Scripture’s ultimate meaning resides in the classical hermeneutical methods preserved within Jewish tradition.

Modern archaeological findings—such as ancient synagogues, inscriptions referencing biblical figures, and cross-references to Jewish life in non-Jewish sources—lend historical weight to the enduring significance of the Torah and its practices within Orthodox communities.

Unique Distinctions

Orthodox Judaism rejects the notion of abrogating or redefining biblical law, frequently placing it at odds with more liberal streams of Judaism. Strong emphasis on studying Talmudic and halakhic texts characterizes the daily discipline of Orthodox Jewish life.

Separate male and female prayer sections, distinctive traditional attire, and a guarded approach to modern innovations in worship and synagogue practice distinguish most Orthodox communities. However, even within Orthodoxy, there are variations—such as Modern Orthodox, which engages more actively with secular education and society, and Haredi Orthodox, which often seeks minimal engagement with secular culture.

Engagement with Modernity

Many Orthodox Jews participate in broader society through education and professions, but they navigate modern life in a way that ensures faith and halakhic requirements remain the guiding framework. Whether through kosher certifications in new food industries or technology that accommodates the Sabbath (like timers turning off lights), the pursuit is to uphold tradition while living in the contemporary world.

Common Misconceptions

1. Some assume that Orthodox Judaism is monolithic; however, it encompasses a wide spectrum, from Modern Orthodox to ultra-Orthodox communities, each interpreting tradition within specific cultural and communal contexts.

2. Another misconception is that adherence to strict commandments lessens focus on matters of the heart. In practice, Orthodox Judaism connects love for God, shown through ritual observance, with love for one’s neighbor, manifesting in acts of mercy and kindness.

Conclusion

Orthodox Judaism’s core beliefs center on devotion to the one true God, acceptance of the Torah—both Written and Oral—and observance of commandments that shape every dimension of life. The daily practice of prayer, study, and ethical behavior stems from a commitment to uphold the ancient covenant between God and His people. Through its expectation of a coming Messiah and emphasis on moral responsibility, Orthodox Judaism holds firmly to the continuity of biblical faith and tradition.