What is authentic Judaism?

Answer 1

Torah-Judaism Answer

This will depend upon whom you ask. Observant Jews hold that authentic Judaism is that which reflects and continues, undiluted, the values, beliefs and laws of the Torah as kept by our predecessors.

Here are some of the most basic beliefs of Judaism, as codified by Maimonides:

1. God exists, and is the Creator

2. God is One and unique

3. God is not physical

4. God is eternal

5. Prayer is to be directed only to God

6. The words of the prophets are true

7. The prophecies of Moses are true; he was the greatest prophet

8. The Torah was given to Moses

9. There will be no other Torah

10. God knows the thoughts and deeds of all

11. God rewards the good and punishes the wicked

12. The Messiah will come

13. The dead will be resurrected

For Jewish laws and observances, see the attached Related Link for further information.

Liberal Jewish Answer

Unlike the Orthodox, Liberal Jews do not hold to the exact same tenets for time immemorial, but Judaism is not just a function of beliefs. It has a set of rites and rituals which have been strongly influenced by time and place. The Orthodox acknowledge this and call these customs "Minhag". Liberal Judaism tries to create its own set of customary interpretations to make Judaism viable and acceptable to modern people, one in the long line of changing cultural traditions. This does not make it any less "authentic", although it may be less recognizable to non-Jews.