Is Judaism a strict religion

Answer 1

As with many religions, Judaism comprises a number of different groups, some of which approach the Torah (holy Jewish text) more literally than others.

Orthodox Jews are the most religious; they observe the mitzvot (commandments) and they approach the Jewish scriptures in a literal manner. Even within Orthodox Judaism, though, there are a number of groups and they don't always agree.

Conservative and Reform Judaism are less religious, but many members of both are observant to a degree, with some keeping kosher and observing the Jewish Shabbat, for example.

And ALL Jews share the same core beliefs:

- God is one

- all humans are created in God's image

- the Torah is holy

Answer 2

Orthodox Judaism is not strict, it just believes that if G-d said to do something we should do it, or if he told us not to do it we shouldn't. Also, Orthodox Judaism is not as monolithic as many think it is. There is a huge range of observances. There are some groups within Orthodoxy that think dinosaurs didn't exist and that the universe is only 6000 years old. There are others that embrace the scientific world and see no contradiction between scientific facts and Torah. There are some that take the Torah literally and others that study the teachings of the rabbis to determine what is really meant by what is in the Torah. Orthodox Jews not only accept the Torah (first 5 books of the Christian's Bible) as the word of G-d, but also the oral Torah, which was finally written down after much discussion in the Talmud. There are other writings that the Orthodox Jew looks to for spiritual inspiration and guidance, the writings of the Prophets and writings such as (Psalms, Proverbs etc.) Combined these are the TANACH. As an Jew who recently has become observant, I don't feel that the "rules" of Orthodoxy are strict, if you accept that the reasons behind preferred behavior are based on Torah, it is easier to live that lifestyle. But, realize that being Orthodox does not mean that you have to dress like someone from 19th century Poland, or never talk to a person of the opposite sex, or eat boring food. You dress modestly (but still fashionably), you talk to all people (respectfully), and you can cook great interesting meal (just not meat and milk together). I actually enjoy being an Orthodox Jew and raising my boys to be good people that care for the welfare of others as G-d cares for all his people.

Answer 3

Yes. Orthodox Jews are stricter than the Reform Jews in habit and tradition.

Answer 4

They're no more or less strict than most other parents, but Orthodox Jews are the strictest.