What are the major sections of judaism?

Answer 1

Jews have divided themselves up into five categories. Then some of these categories have variations within themselves. The main five categories are:

1) Orthodox

2) Conservative

3) Reform

4) Reconstructionist

5) Humanist

The Orthodox are those who most apply the teachings of the Torah, Tanach(which includes the Torah and the Prophets and is an acronym (TNKH) for: Torah, Neviim (prophets) and Kutubiim (books) and the Talmud. Within this group are the Hasidic Jews, the Lubavitchers and others. Some are very staunch supporters of Israel and a minority are actually against a political entity called Israel. Then, in a position kind of between the Orthodox and Conservative is a category called Modern Orthodox.

The Conservative movement applies the Torah, Tanach and Talmud quite well but are not as strict as the Orthodox in many matters. For example the separation between men and women in the synagogue. They do, however, follow the rules concerning the Sabbath.

The Reform movement takses further liberties with religious adherence and has actually introduced different concepts and practices. among them are those who adhere to the Sabbath, and those who may not.

I don't know enough about the Reconstructionist movement.

The Humanists are those Jews who see that being Jewish is a cultural, heredetary thing, primarily. They do not focus on at G-d at all. In fact, they are those who are likely to not even believe in G-d. (religious Jews do spell out the name of the Lord, so I am taking also doing that here).

Peace, Shalom, Salaam