What are the unique features of Orthodox Judaism?

Orthodox Judaism has resisted modern pressures to modify its observance and has held fast to such practices as daily worship, dietary laws (kashruth), traditional prayers and ceremonies, regular and intensive study of the Torah, and separation of men and women in the synagogue.

What is the point of a mechitza?

A mechitza most commonly means the physical divider placed between the men’s and women’s sections in Orthodox synagogues and at religious celebrations. The idea behind this is twofold. First, mingling of the sexes is generally frowned upon, as this leads to frivolity, which itself may lead to promiscuity.

How is water used in Judaism?

In this story, water is an instrument of God – for blessing and punishment. Handwashing and hygiene are a particular focus in Jewish law. Hands must be washed after waking up, before eating bread, after a meal, before worship and after leaving a cemetery. Schoolchildren must be clean to study the sacred texts.

What is mikvah bath?

A mikvah is a pool of water — some of it from a natural source — in which observant married Jewish women are required to dip once a month, seven days after the end of their menstrual cycle. The ocean is a mikvah. A lake can be a mikvah. More commonly, it’s indoors and looks like an oversized bathtub.

What are the main beliefs of Orthodox Judaism?

Key doctrines include a future Messiah who will restore Jewish practice by building the temple in Jerusalem and gather 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 is not a centralized denomination.

Do synagogues separate genders?

Synagogues. During prayer services in Orthodox synagogues, seating is always separate. A mechitza is used to divide the men and women, and often to block the view from one section to the other. The reason for this is that a man might be distracted during prayer if he spots a beautiful woman.

Do Orthodox Jews celebrate bat mitzvah?

Orthodox Jews do not accept Bat Mitzvah and do not allow girls to count as part of the minyan or to lead services.