Orthodox Judaism

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Branch of Judaism that asserts the supreme authority of the Torah and the Talmud, including the Halachah (oral legal tradition). Orthodox Jews form the majority in Judaism. Ultra-Orthodox sects include Hasidism, which developed in 18th-century Poland, and Lubavitch, which originated in Russia; both are influenced by the Kabbalah, a mystical Jewish tradition.

Orthodox Jews observe all 613 commandments of the Torah, excluding those that refer to the Temple in Jerusalem, now destroyed. They adhere strictly to laws such as the melachot (work prohibited on the Sabbath); for example, they will walk to synagogue rather than drive, cook the Sabbath meals on Friday before sunset, and use time switches to control lighting and heating at home. Women may dress modestly and wear wigs to keep their hair hidden, and kosher laws (rules for the preparation and consumption of food) will be followed fully. In synagogue, services are almost entirely in Hebrew and women and men sit separately.

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