r/JewsOfConscience • u/AutoModerator • Jul 10 '24

AAJ "Ask A Jew" Wednesday

It's everyone's favorite day of the week, "Ask A (Anti-Zionist) Jew" Wednesday! Ask whatever you want to know, within the sub rules, notably that this is not a debate sub and do not import drama from other subreddits. That aside, have fun! We love to dialogue with our non-Jewish siblings.

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u/SpiritualUse121 Non-Jewish Ally Jul 10 '24

I have a really basic question.

What do some of the lesser known terms / labels in the flairs mean & is there a guide to the differences in philopsy, culture & practice?

If someone could point me towards a guide that would be really helpful in understanding this community more.

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u/ezkori Ashkenazi, American, raised in orthodoxy, currently cultural Jul 10 '24

Could you give some examples? I’m happy to explain to my best ability

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u/SpiritualUse121 Non-Jewish Ally Jul 10 '24

Thank you, I appreciate it!

I am unfamiliar with:

Orthodox vs Conservative, Reconstructionist, Hiloni, Mazortim, Beta Israel, Matzpen, Jewish Communist, Post-zionist

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u/ezkori Ashkenazi, American, raised in orthodoxy, currently cultural Jul 10 '24

Reconstructionist Judaism was invented by mordechai Kaplan in America. Its big major tenet is Judaism as a living civilization rather than an inherently “theistic religious” group. His philosophy is where Jewish Community Centers (jccs) come from. Generally reconstructionist communities will vary based on specific community, as communal norms and values are stressed rather than a worldwide religious “Jewish” dogma