Describe one way in which judaism is different today?

Answer 1

There is a difference between ancient Judaism and modern Judaism. Ancient Judaism was centered around Temple sacrifices, and the idea that God was physically closer to the Jewish people in Jerusalem. Today, Judaism is centered around prayer and study, and is not tied to specific location, though the majority of Jews support Israel and many consider themselves Zionists.

The laws are the interpreted differently today though they are based on ancient texts. The customs vary from region to region. If you live outside of the land of Israel the laws regarding Israel don't apply to you. If you do live in Israel today the laws regarding the temple are not practiced today because there is no temple. But the laws that were practiced in ancient times when there was no temple, are the same as today.

Specifically, Orthodox Judaism is today's form of Judaism that most closely resembles ancient Judaism, and its religious law, halacha, is essentially the same. Conservative Judaism believes that halacha is more flexible than was practiced in ancient times. Reform Judaism is more liberal still.

In ancient times there were alternate forms of Judaism just as there are Reform movements today. One alternate Jewish group from ancient times is Christianity. But American Reform Judaism does not seek to break from Orthodoxy in the way that the early Christians did. German Reform Judaism in some cases did seem to desire that alternate religion path, but that direction was for the most part destroyed during the Holocaust and rejected post-Holocaust.

• Answer 2:

It's wrong to say that ancient Judaism centered around the Temple and sacrifices. Rather, Judaism centers around Torah-observance. This has never changed. The Torah contains many hundreds of commands, hundreds of which are applicable today too. When offering sacrifices was possible, they were offered; and when the Temple was destroyed, those particular commands of the Torah were suspended. It's like a man who lost his arms: he doesn't put tefillin on, but his Judaism hasn't changed.

Answer 2

It is unclear what is meant by "Modern Judaism", since all major forms of Judaism still exist in the modern age. If by "Modern Judaism" the question refers to "Liberal Judaism", please see the discussion below.

The Torah Jews and the Liberal Jews have very different perceptions of each other. The main divisions between these sects is the ability to use non-Judaic source content to abrogate and modernize Jewish teaching and practice. Torah Jews believe that such things represent a deterioration of Jewish identity and purpose whereas Liberal Jews see Jewish Identity to be more internal or ethnic and the religious aspect to be secondary. As a result, Torah Jews believe Liberal Jews to have "lost their way" and Liberal Jews see Torah Jews as being antiquated and "out of sync" with the modern world. Regardless of whether a person is a Torah Jew or a Liberal Jew, that person may also practice rites derivative of his ancestral region such as Eastern European customs, Iberian customs, North African customs, etc. These customs do not affect other Jews as perceiving him as Jewish and these rites are all co-equal.

Within the Torah Judaism Sect there are a number of movements distinguished by their level of integration with the non-Jewish World, their styles of prayer, and their level of conservatism. The Modern Orthodox are typically seen as the more liberal branch of Torah Judaism and typically wear Jewish paraphenalia (such as a Kippa and Tzitzit) although they will dress in a typical business-suit and work in Western companies. On the more conservative side are the Hasidim and Ultra-Orthodox who wear unique vestment at all times and are recognizable by their payyot (sideburn-curls).

Within Liberal Judaism there are a number of movements also distinguished by their level of integration with the non-Jewish World, their styles of prayer, and their level of conservatism. At the most liberal are Secular Jews who may make Jewish foods and sing Jewish songs, but rarely attend synagogue services and do not perform the daily acts required of Torah Jews. In Liberal Judaism there is a question as to how much Hebrew and how much Vernacular should be used in a Synagogue Service. Conservative Jews, on the more conservative side typically prefer more Hebrew, whereas Reform Jews prefer more Vernacular. Liberal Jews are often well-acclimated to non-Jewish society and may have many non-Jewish friends and contacts.

Answer 3

One of the major differences between ancient and modern Judaism is that there is no longer a Temple in Jerusalem. Prior to be destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE, the Temple was the center of religious worship for the Jewish people. It was the one place where people could come to make sacrifice to God. Without a temple, the practice of sacrifice ended, and Jerusalem ceased to be the central focus of Judaism.

Answer 4

Judaism centers around Torah-observance. This has never changed. The Torah contains many hundreds of commands, hundreds of which are applicable today too. When offering sacrifices was possible, they were offered; and when the Temple was destroyed, those particular commands of the Torah were suspended. It's like a man who lost his arms: he doesn't put tefillin on, but his Judaism hasn't changed.
To answer the question:
While the Torah, its commands and the principles and beliefs of Judaism remain unchanged, Judaism has evolved as circumstances have necessitated.
1) After the end of prophecy (some 2350 years ago), the canon of the Tanakh was sealed by a special Sanhedrin (Rabbinical court). It was the same Sanhedrin which placed our prayers in their permanent form (Talmud, Berakhot 33a).
2) Purim and Hanukkah were instituted after the relevant events.
3) Certain fasts were instituted in connection with the Destruction of the Temple.
4) After the Destruction, the laws of sacrifices were suspended.
5) When circumstances made it impossible, the New Moon was no longer proclaimed by testimony; rather, the fixed calendar was instituted (around 360 CE).
6) The Talmud was put in writing (around 500 CE) when it became too hard to be learned by heart.
7) There are seven formal Rabbinical commands. These are:
Saying the blessings over food (and on various occasions)
Washing one's hands before eating bread
Lighting the Hanukkah-menorah
The Eruv
Saying the Hallel prayer on certain occasions
Lighting the Sabbath candles
Reading the Megillat Esther on Purim.
In addition, there are many Rabbinical decrees, mostly from the Men of the Great Assembly (4th century BCE), as well as later enactments.
The purpose of every one of these is to provide a "fence around the Torah," meaning to shore up something that can benefit from strengthening. An example: not handling electric appliances on the Sabbath, even if they are not connected to any electric socket.

See also the Related Links.

Link: Jewish history timeline

Link: Was Judaism altered after the destruction of the Temple?