Different Beliefs

The main difference between Orthodox and Reform Judaism, other than observant people are, is their views of the Torah. The Orthodox movement of Judaism believes that the Torah was written by G-d and given to Jews on Mount Sinai. The Reform movement, however, believes that the Torah was written by different human sources and then compiled. Therefore, the interpretations vary between the movements. The Orthodox movement follows the Torah and Jewish law much more strictly than does the Reform movement. The Reform movement does not follow the 613 commandments, but rather takes its values and lives by them. Orthodox Jews are much more literal about the Torah and the commandments, and therefore, are strict about observing holidays and keeping kosher.
So why then does Israel not allow people to be married who aren’t Jewish? The state does not have civil weddings; they are all legalized by the Orthodox rabbis. I have begun to understand why these Orthodox rabbis would not allow non-Orthodox converts to be married. Orthodox rabbis and the movement believe that the Torah needs to be taken literally, and the laws need to be upheld as they are stated in the Torah. Therefore, it is unknown how loyal a convert would be to the Torah. The Orthodox movement still acknowledges converts. However, if these converts were able to marry in the state of Israel, the purity of the Orthodox religion could be changed. Also, I am beginning to understand why the Orthodox insist on proving Judaism for marriage. As stated in the article in the New York Times, the high rate of intermarriage, especially in the United States, is changing the way Judaism is practiced. Therefore, Jews, especially who are not from Israel, need to show that they really do value the religion. It is still frustrating to me that I could not be married in the state as of now, but I better understand why the Orthodox rabbis would not allow me to.


Source:
Rich, Tracey R.
1995-2006 “Movements of Judaism.” Electronic Document,
http://www.jewfaq.org/movement.htm, accessed April 14.