Conservative Judaism

American  

noun

1. Judaism as observed by Conservative Jews.

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Conservative Judaism British  

noun

1. a movement reacting against the radicalism of Reform Judaism, rejecting extreme change and advocating moderate relaxations of traditional Jewish law, by an extension of the process by which its adherents claim traditional Orthodox Judaism evolved Compare Orthodox Judaism Reform Judaism

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Conservative Judaism Cultural  

1. A branch of Judaism that insists on keeping some requirements of the Jewish law, or Torah (circumcision of male infants, for example, and the eating of unleavened bread during Passover) (see also Passover), but allows for the adaptation of some of the law's requirements to fit modern circumstances (for example, some of the details of Jewish dietary laws). (Compare Orthodox Judaism and Reform Judaism.)

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Etymology

Origin of Conservative Judaism

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism says it is “the largest network of Conservative Jews in the world,” and claims 1.35 million adherents in North America.

From Washington Times • Nov. 24, 2021

Conservative Judaism is perched in the center between the more liberal Reform and Reconstructionist movements, which have long accepted gay clergy, and the Orthodox, which rejects it.

From New York Times • Jul. 5, 2013

“Where’s the letter to Congress about Syria, which is massacring its own people?” said Rabbi Steven Wernick, the chief executive of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

From New York Times • Oct. 21, 2012

Along the way, the rabbi unobtrusively offers a short course in Conservative Judaism, as well as some choice and not entirely flattering opinions about his fellow Jews.

From Time Magazine Archive

Today half the Christian branches, plus Reform and Conservative Judaism, ordain women.

From Time Magazine Archive