<< Back to the previous page


In Our Directory...
Jewish Community > Synagogues
Find "Jewish Community > Synagogues" in your local area in our directory

Synagogues > Orthadox Synagogues
Find "Synagogues > Orthadox Synagogues" in your local area in our directory

Synagogues > Reform Synagogues
Find "Synagogues > Reform Synagogues" in your local area in our directory

Synagogues > Federation Synagogues
Find "Synagogues > Federation Synagogues" in your local area in our directory

Synagogues > Liberal Synagogues
Find "Synagogues > Liberal Synagogues" in your local area in our directory

Browse the directory

The Differences Between Orthodox and Reform Synagogues

The Reform movement was born out of Orthodox Judaism following the call by members of the Bevis Marks synagogue in the early nineteenth century for various changes to be made to its service and customs.

The main differences between Reform and Orthodox synagogues today revolve around service structure and length and the involvement of women in shul.

Key differences include the following:

1. Seating in Synagogue

In Orthodox synagogues men and women sit separately and married women cover their heads.

In Reform synagogues men and women are able to sit together and whether a women covers her head is a matter of personal choice.

2. Language of Prayer

Services in orthodox synagogues are conducted entirely in Hebrew, with the exception of the sermon. Furthermore, singing is not accompanied by a choir or musical instrument.

In Reform synagogues, services are carried out in a mixture of Hebrew and English and singing is sometimes accompanied by a choir or instrument such as an organ.

3. Location of the Bimah

In Orthodox synagogues the Bimah is found in the centre of the shul but in Reform ones it is positioned near to the Ark.

4. Leading the Service

In Orthodox synagogues any male over bar mitzvah age may lead the service - in fact, it is usually not led by the rabbi. In Reform synagogues the service can be led by women as well as men- so long as they are over bar or bat mitzvah age.

Moreover, in Orthodox synagogues women are not allowed to be rabbis but this is not the case in Reform synagogues.

Ultimately the differences between Reform and Orthodox synagogues are founded on different ideals- the Reform movement is loyal to Jewish traditions but believes that they should be interpreted to fit in with modern life, whilst Orthodox Judaism is based on honouring age old traditions.


Re-publishing Information

Please feel free to re-publish this article on your own website. However, if you do so we would be grateful if you would please add the following ‘about the author’ information:

JFind offers an easy way to find information about Jewish businesses, products and services throughout the UK. For more info visit: http://www.jfind.co.uk/

To do this, you can simply copy and paste the following html onto your page