Jewish Denominations Explained

NOTE: I posted this video a few weeks ago but then removed it because, following some feedback, I decided to make some important changes. Those changes have now been incorporated and what you're watching here is the new, updated version.

I am Iranian Jew and an ICU nurse. Many times I have to work over Shabbat therefore I can’t observe it. I often feel bad about it . Thank you Matt for saying „pikuach nefesh“ . I really appreciate it .

If you eventually cover most Abrahamic religions, would you consider making a HUGE chart of all Abrahamic denominations. It could include the Christian denomination chart, the Jewish denomination chart, a potential Islamic denomination/school chart, and perhaps certain Dualistic movements, the movements of the black book, Druze and even Sikhism. Although this chart could only be made if you do an full Islamic denomination/school chart.

Not only do I find out that you're Jewish I also find out you're a fellow convert this has made my day

I’m Catholic from the US. This was very interesting and informative. I love learning about religions and cultures.

As a Muslim, this was very interesting and eye opening. Props!!!!

Henry Abramson is great! Really enjoyed his lectures on Jewish history as they were some of the first quality ones that I could find on YouTube back in the day. Also I found his commentary and expertise on Ukrainian history important in light of recent events

Truly amazing video! As a Chasidic Orthodox Jew, i must say that this is the first time I see an observation on Judaism that's unbiased (especially about the chasidic community). So many good points about the origin and current status of all denominations.

Really an amazing video on Jewish denominations. I think you really incorporated the feedback well Thanks!!

Much improved, but I will make a few comments: 1) In the US, there is also a large "denomination" that calls itself "traditional". These congregations keep the original orthodox prayer liturgy order in the synagogue, but members of the congregation can cover the full spectrum of religious practice, from orthodox to practically secular. This is in comparison to conservative and reform Judaism that made various changes to the liturgy and practices in the synagogue to be more practical, inclusive and attractive. 2) Within Israel you will find that even the secular Jews will adhere to many Jewish customs and very rarely marry outside the faith (in contrast to North American non-orthodox Jews who now have a 70% intermarriage rate). Most secular Jews (i.e. not orthodox, conservative or reform) in Israel will have a circumcision ceremony for newborn males, a bar/bat-miztvah for young teens, have a Jewish wedding officiated by an orthodox rabbi, be buried by an orthodox burial society and their family will observe the traditional "shiva" for the deceased. Most secular Jews in Israel will also participate in a family Shabbat dinner, Pesach seder, light Chanuka candles and attend a synagogue while fasting on Yom Kippur. Not sure this qualifies as an official theological denomination, but it does describe the practice of a very large chunk of Jews on earth today.

Hey Matt, this is exceptional. I loved how clearly you mentioned the differences between the concept of denominations in Christian and Jewish traditions. I humbly would like to request you to make a video on the differences between old testament in the Christian Bible and the Hebrew Bible. Also, I can see from the comments that your next project involves Hindu philosophical schools and denominations. I am very excited about it. Although the denominations part would be very difficult to put together, but the philosophical schools would surely be a great first step towards a comprehensive series on Hinduism. I am happy to provide any kind of help in case you need it. I am from India and have been brought up in a Hindu household. However I identify as an agnostic atheist now.

A vast improvement, sir! But I promise I'll take a different tone and emphasis with my own video in a few weeks. ETA: Kabbalah dates back quite a bit further back than Luria; he is just the most widely accepted authority on it. And Jewish mysticism in general goes back to the Roman era.

I have many friends I'll be sharing this with. Thanks for updating it so quickly with even better content!

As an israeli, this video felt like walking through a minefield. I applaud you for managing to avoid most of them 😅

Yasher koach! Really well researched and presented—an excellent introduction and a great contribution to improving general understanding of our people. I will send a link to several contacts that require and welcome the information.

I just saw your wonderful video about the different Jewish movements. It is really a great synthesis. I very much appreciate the clarity and historical rigour you have to deal with these matters. Very difficult task, and congratulations for a great work. Of course Sam Aronow will bring his own views on the matter. Welcome to both of you for your openness and good will.

Thank you for reuploading!! I was looking for it the other day and I stumbled on Dr Abramson channel and have binged watched so many of his videos!

I learned so much! Thanks for educating me, and for being committed to educating responsibly!

Thank you for this informative overview. I had always wondered about the various divisions. The chart was especially helpful.

Always fascinating Useful Charts. I am a Christian (Church of England) but am deeply interested and fascinated too with Judaism and Islam. Thanks for explaining the history of Jadaism. ✝️✡️☪️