Page "Conservative Judaism" Paragraph 43

Concerning interpretation of Halakha ( or Jewish law ): because of Judaism's legal tradition, the fundamental differences between modern Jewish denominations also involve the relevance, interpretation, and application of Jewish law and tradition.

Conservative Judaism believes that its approach is the most authentic expression of Judaism as it was traditionally practiced.

Conservative Jews believe that movements to its left, such as Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism, have erred by rejecting the traditional authority of Jewish law and tradition.

They believe that the Orthodox Jewish movements, on the theological right, have erred by slowing down, or stopping, the historical development of Jewish law: " Conservative Judaism believes that scholarly study of Jewish texts indicates that Judaism has constantly been evolving to meet the needs of the Jewish people in varying circumstances, and that a central halakhic authority can continue the halakhic evolution today.

" ( Soc.

Culture.

Jewish Usenet Newsgroup FAQ ) The Conservative movement makes a conscious effort to use historical sources to determine what kind of changes to Jewish tradition have occurred, how and why they occurred, and in what historical context.

With this information they believe that they can better understand the proper way for rabbis to interpret and apply Jewish law to our conditions today.

See also under Modern Orthodox Judaism.