Jewish Denominations Explained

Buy the chart:
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For more on Jewish history and thought, I highly recommend:
/ @henryabramsonphd
Sam Aronow's response to my video:
• Jewish Streams Re-Expl...
Classical Rabbis Family Tree:
• Mishnaic Rabbis Family...
Christian Denominations Series:
• Christian Origins & Ea...
CREDITS:
Charts & Narration by Matt Baker
Animation by Syawish Rehman
Audio editing by Ali Shahwaiz
Theme music: "Lord of the Land" by Kevin MacLeod and licensed under Creative Commons Attribution license 4.0. Available from incompetech.com

[@UsefulCharts]

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.

[@juanfervalencia]

Thank you! My best wishes to you and all your loved ones.

[@GordonWrigley]

i watched the original, is there a summary of the main changes?

[@UsefulCharts]

@@GordonWrigley There are lots of little changes throughout but the two sections with the most "new" information are 19:46 (more about the Ashkenazi/Sephardi distinction) and 35:50 (more about Judaism outside of the US).

[@caseycrowe3805]

Matt, people on your sub Reddit said the first version of this video was very North American centric and could be misleading for people who aren’t informed on Judaism, as someone who isn’t Jewish how was the last video misleading?

[@UsefulCharts]

​​@@caseycrowe3805In the first video, I pretty much only talked about Judaism in the US. In this new version, I also talk about Israel and some other countries.

[@m.eshaghi8181]

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 .

[@fslknsadglkdahawerykljwa3aw643]

By saving lives, you are not violating Shabbat, you are honoring it. Your career is nothing but a kiddush haShem.

[@m.eshaghi8181]

@@fslknsadglkdahawerykljwa3aw643 you are very kind . Thank you so much ! ♥️🫶🏼

[@Rafael-vi4to]

you still living in iran? how was the treatement?

[@m.eshaghi8181]

@@Rafael-vi4to no we live in Germany since 1981

[@Wither5000]

​@@m.eshaghi8181Out of all countries you chose Germany?

[@DualTheEggist]

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.

[@UsefulCharts]

Yup. I've been toying with the idea already.

[@dr.kj10]

@@UsefulCharts have you done a chart on Islamic schools/denominations? I'm not muslim myself but I think it would be an interesting video idea.

[@whbower]

Akhenaten 101

[@zurgmuckerberg]

And Baha'i too

[@ropersonline]

@@UsefulCharts Suggested title for your poster all about desert monotheism: _It Came from the Desert_ (Make sure there's no trademark, etc. trouble from the makers of the 1989 computer game. There shouldn't be. That company went defunct in 1991.)

[@rougelegionarie859]

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

[@Skdjdndj]

Bro your profile pic is jewish version of now time saudi flag 😂. No way it is actually a flag?

[@Lawarch]

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 KZbin back in the day. Also I found his commentary and expertise on Ukrainian history important in light of recent events

[@isaactrockman4417]

Same!

[@Ibramessi224]

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

[@saladin333]

Liar

[@highlandsprings5752]

@@saladin333LMAO you ok there bud?

[@statutesofthelord]

Sadly, this video had some serious inaccuracies. Beware!

[@gabrielleangelica1977]

@@saladin333 Are your pants 👖 on fire 🔥?

[@Ifyoureportmeyougay]

Mad respect im an isreali but i try my best to understand palstine i kinda get why they hate as in the arab isreali war we were evll but i dont get it if taiwan atked china they would die same thing with isreal and palstine but taiwan is improving it self palstine isnt.

[@Elizabeth-rh1hl]

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

[@statutesofthelord]

And, the video was inaccurate in some instances.

[@aidanhagelgans2909]

Because the Star of David was used as a national symbol hundreds if not thousands of years after the Torah was written.

[@jessd7947]

​@statutesofthelord in what ways? As a student of history and a jew im curious what he said was wrong (I can't seem to find anything but im in no way an expert on the subject)

[@dr.victorvs]

​​​​​​​​​@@jessd7947I was raised a Catholic and belief was never anywhere near enough for salvation. 90% of church sermons were about the importance of being virtuous, practicing tolerance and whatnot. Half of it was about the here and now and not about salvation. Overall, salvation was a natural consequence of a virtuous life. I think the author's view of Christianity was quite stereotypical, to be honest. It sounded like what other religions say about Christianity to feel like they're the adults in the room--the ones who follow rules to be virtuous, while Christians are just doing what they're told because they're afraid of hell.

[@itsmedjoom987]

@@dr.victorvsI’d disagree. I grew up mainly conservative Protestant Christian and salvation was very much emphasized as a main part of Christianity because the view I taught was that salvation through belief made it different from many others. Not only that it was taught that this salvation is a gift and should be believed and accepted.

[@omrisapir7443]

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

[@erdood3235]

What are the mines? I'm a Jew from Israel

[@chimera9818]

@@erdood3235 probably my guess us acting like how stuff works in israel is exactly same as the western ref mentality

[@omrisapir7443]

@@erdood3235 Mainly the racial aspect between sepharadi and ashkenazi jews in israel, and the fact that in israel religion is (sadly imo) heavily involved in politics.

[@hamzsportsgaming676]

you are a what?

[@consolidateeverything8750]

@@erdood3235 Some propaganda inserted in there about Ashkenazi Jews. In reality their origin is still an open question. These propaganda studies don't share their data to all academics. That's why I'm more inclined to believe transparent researchers like Eran Elhaik and historians like Shlomo Sand. I always intuitively believe that the idea that all Jews are related to Palestine as utter nonsense and makes zero sense when compared to the development of all other ethnic groups and civilizations on earth. It wasn't until I read Sand's book that it all finally makes sense. The Jews in Palestine, well, we call it today, the Palestinians. Other Jews across the world are different peoples with different cultures that adopted Judaism along the way with certain percentage of intermarriages with the Jewish diaspora. That's how other ethnic groups and civilizations were formed and I don't see how the Jews are somehow different. Look at Britain, its core population is a mix of native and invaders that forms the English people. Same with Palestine, the natives (at some times in the past identified themselves as Jews) mixed with various invaders and eventually formed the Palestinian people. Neither the Palestinians, Egyptians, Iraqis or Syrians are Arabs. They are all Arabized native populations.

[@EricDavidRocks]

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

[@FactaClaus]

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.

[@HesderOleh]

There is so much syncretism and borrowing across traditions in Eastern religions that it hard to draw linear phyolgenetic trees without all the lines attaching to every element, especially if you go beyond India into China, Japan and South East Asia. In terms of text an evolution graph can be found in wikipedia by searching "Texts_of_the_OT.svg". What is also interesting is that different churches have different sets of books that they consider part of the OT , but I think Matt may have done a video on that already.

[@chimera9818]

He did make one about the difference between the Tanakh and Old Testament in his Bible series (besides what he mentioned I will say Hebrew was translated in some cases to other languages in incorrect ways to make some lines talk about Jesus while in Hebrew some part never mentioned)

[@yubantwo2086]

I would very much appreciate and value a comparison. It took 40 plus years before it dawned on me that the Old Old Testament was transcribed from The Torah for a biased Christian narrative. I studied religious texts at university and learned how the Old and New Testaments were for propaganda, and that the New Testament was carefully crafted to fulfill the prophecies from the Old Testament... but a comparison to The Torah was never even mentioned,more rather we were led to believe that the first five books of the Old Testament is The Torah. I'm ashamed to admit that I have never read the Jewish text.

[@brianross9753]

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

[@UsefulCharts]

Thank you for your help!

[@chimera9818]

Technically in israel it isn’t denominations but range of what people believe but yeah

[@yeshirin]

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.

[@CharlotteIssyvoo]

I'm Matt's wife and have been doing my genealogy for a few years now. As I've found my family diaspora, I've found everything from very Orthodox cousins, to Reform cousins, to entirely secular cousins, to cousins who are mixed Messianic "Jews," to mixed Christians who know nothing at all about Judaism. There are quite a few rabbis and at least one cantor in the mix too. So Matt's watched me get to know all of these people as family, which I'm sure has influenced his approach here.

[@josha1349]

@@CharlotteIssyvoo hello! I just wanted to ask why you put jews in quotations for the mixed messianic part. My Mom's side was reform but became messianic, and my dad's side is african american with a few denominations of christianity mixed in. I grew up away from Jewish circles and culture besides food and high holy days, so I'm just wondering how messianics are perceived within the community. I've moved away from it myself, I'd say I'm back to the reformed tradition, but I've just had little interactions with so I'm unfamiliar with really most of it haha Also sorry for the long reply, I hope it didn't come off negatively :) Edit- also my mom's side is ashkenazi if that changes anything

[@CharlotteIssyvoo]

@@josha1349 Messianic Jews are not well-received in the Jewish community. They may be ethnically and possibly culturally Jewish, but, religiously, they are Christian. The Jewish religion not only does not include Jesus, but many Jews view belief in the trinity as polytheism. Like you, I come from a mixed background (maternal line is Quaker, paternal is Ashkenazi Jewish), and I grew up knowing nothing about being Jewish, so I totally get why you're asking these questions. I started "doing Jewish" in my 20s. When Matt converted to Judaism, I began practicing Judaism more again (I'm 52 now), which I really appreciate. You'd have to ask a rabbi, but my understanding is that, because you're mother was Jewish, you're Jewish and you would not have to convert to Judaism. (I actually did convert with Matt, because, in some denominations, in some countries, only matrilineal Judaism is recognized.)

[@josha1349]

@@CharlotteIssyvoo ahhh I see, that's interesting! I've never heard someone refer to the trinity as polytheism, but that actually makes a lot of sense. I'm 19, so I'm just kinda starting to figure out the "doing Jewish" thing. kinda funny how the timing is similar haha. I'd like to talk to a rabbi, but I also don't exactly look Jewish (at least what americans consider Jewish), so I've kinda felt out of place in synagogues (although I've only been once or twice). Do you know if that's something I should worry about? This is probably a stupid question and you don't have to keep responding I'm sure you have other things to do, but can you make an appointment with a rabbi? Like how would that work?

[@CharlotteIssyvoo]

@@josha1349 I wish I could say that you won't face any racism in the Jewish community but, sadly, you probably will, since racism is everywhere. But I think by now *most* Jews know that there are Black and "mixed" Jews who don't look like either the stereotype of Jews, or like most Ashkenazi Jews. First of all, there are Ethiopian Jews, as Matt mentions in the video. Then, of course, there are Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews. And there are converts, and there are people with one Jewish parent... On and on it goes. So I think, for the most part, the "looking Jewish" thing won't matter to most people. If it does, they can piss off, to be honest. You'll probably feel some "imposter syndrome" simply because all of this is new to you. I know I did! Sometimes I still do because, like you, I'm mixed, and I wasn't raised Jewish. You're ahead of where I was: I didn't know the holidays! I know when I was on the same journey as you are, I did make appointments to meet with a few liberal rabbis to ask questions and find a synagogue where I felt comfortable. I also did a lot of reading on my own to learn more about Judaism as a religion and as a culture/tribe. (Nowadays I'd probably also watch videos.) I also took a Hebrew class which was a great way to learn more and to meet others. Doing my Jewish genealogy has been another amazing form of education for me. I feel very Jewish now!

[@GreatCollapsingHrung]

I remember as a kid, the idea that religious belief was the most important thing was so indoctrinated into me that any time I heard of a religion or a denomination I'd never heard of, my first reaction would be, "oh, what do they believe?" In high school, I made friends with a Sikh. One day I asked him what Sikhs believe, and I was dumbfounded when he said, "I dunno," with a shrug. It was only after watching this video (well, the first version that was posted weeks ago) that I understood that Christianity is kind of strange in this respect.

[@Vishanti]

Sikhs are awesome. They're the best people for feeding the needy. If you're ever in a tough spot and need food, find a Sikh.

[@erdood3235]

​@@ochem123n*zi

[@diansc7322]

​@@ochem123which Christianity?

[@areyoutheregoditsmedave]

asking them what they believe might be the wrong question. it might be better to ask questions like, what is the most important thing in life, or how did the world come to be, or who are your gods?

[@BryanLu0]

​@@ochem123If you watched his previous video on Christian denominations, you'll find that various people who would call themselves Christians don't believe in the same thing. Which one of these is the "true" form of Christianity?

[@markstinson4434]

Always enlightening, Matt. Thanks.

[@banto1]

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.

[@CanonessEllinor]

That second point is really interesting, because it largely parallels the practice of secular people in culturally Christian countries like the scandinavian countries, or the way many Japanese people approach Shinto-Buddhism. Maybe it’s just what happens when a religious group is in the majority in a country - its traditions become mainstream practices regardless of personal faith, and that cultural momentum means those who are otherwise uninterested in religion will continue performing them unless they explicitly convert to a different religion?

[@banto1]

@@CanonessEllinor With one main caveat. Secular people in Christian countries and the far east will usually identify as having "no religion" in a census, but will happily participate in local holidays that have religious origins. In Israel the vast majority of secular people will openly identify as Jewish even though they might actually be atheist. The main difference being that Judaism (at last in Israel) has reverted to being a tribal identity with some of the tribe members having different levels of observance of the tribal religion.

[@chimera9818]

1) that basically how israel works 2) basically because Jews from communities that formed Israel hasn’t had the breaking into denominations occur to us so Orthodox Judaism is just Judaism and how hardline you decide to follow it (the range he mentioned) doesn’t change what Judaism in its core is and to person the real main difference is what you need to do to be considered Jewish

[@chimera9818]

@@CanonessEllinorbasically when the religion and culture are same thing and what is the religion is accepted is what cause this mentality (you can have your own opinion about the religion but the religion doesn’t going to change)

[@chimera9818]

@@banto1I would argue in israel we are experience fusing into one Israeli community and it start to effects some aspects with some traditions that have been very specific becoming Jewish wide (like mimona being post Passover celebrations for Moroccan Jews in recent years becoming more general Israeli celebration)

[@Jazira13]

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!

[@hervvo]

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

[@faturechi]

Now, this is the type of quality I have come to expect from your channel. Good job.

[@UsefulCharts]

Thank you!

[@lewiakk5844]

Nice seeing you here

[@janettenivala-ip9wl]

This is the first of your videos that I've seen. Well done. Very clear explanations.

[@danielblue7]

Very well done, the improvements were needed and you surpassed my humble expectations.

[@davidcohenboffa1666]

Kol HaKavod. We can feel how much effort you put on this to be precise, historical and characterize each group properly!!

[@jerrybuckley2049]

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

[@rserserserse]

This video was really informative and interesting, thank you for it

[@sassisch]

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.

[@JudahDLawGiver]

Thank You Matt, very grateful for this video, cleared up some things for me and I learned alot!

[@barrilha]

Such a great work! Not only is beautifuly presented, but there is a ton of interest information and history I was not aware of. Thank you!

[@celestegranillo7239]

Very interesting! Thank you for taking the time to research and present this to your fellow man. All the best

[@adrianomorenoweinstein9620]

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.

[@SamAronow]

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.

[@SamAronow]

Something important I'd dissent from is the characterization in Conservative Judaism of Jewish law as being binding. It's actually much more similar to Reform, and can be considered an offshoot thereof. Ironically considering your caveat at the beginning of the video, the difference between Conservative and Orthodox largely stems around belief. The value Conservative Judaism places on Jewish law is _symbolic_ rather than _material._ As I said in my video on the Hamburg Temple Disputes, "the traditional belief in a coming messiah was wholly irrational, and had no bearing on the reality of Jewish life…but so what? It’s religion! It’s allowed to be irrational!"

[@user-sh3cf7kd6e]

I just don't understand one thing. Why didn't he mention THE main difference between Christianity and Judaism. Judaism is not a religion. It is an ethnoreligion and a nation. As well as about Zionism being only a political movement.

[@brianross9753]

@@SamAronow I think the reason you think that Conservative Judaism is more similar to Reform is that you grew up in California, where Conservative tend to be more religiously liberal. However, if you go to the East Coast, you'll find many Conservative congregations that are much closer to Modern Orthodoxy than Reform (except they don't have a mechitza). There's really quite a range. The othe reason you might think that is that Conservative Judaism has trended more liberal over time, and Reform Judaism as well as Modern Orthodoxy has trended more traditional over time. But in the past, Conservative synagogues tended to be much more similar to Modern Orthodox than with Reform. And with all that being said, the actual position of the Conservative movement is indeed that halacha is binding, even if they think that halacha is an evolving process that can adapt with the times. Perhaps only a minority of Conservative Jews treat halacha as binding and actually follow Conservative halacha, but that is the official position of the movement.

[@brianross9753]

In terms of the history, I think that Matt Baker was correct. Now there are two different "origin stories" of the Conservative movement. One is that the Conservative movement was inspired by Frankel's Positive Historical Movement and formed in response to excesses of Reform as exemplified by the Trefa Banquet. The other is that the Conservative Movement was pretty much the same as Modern Orthodoxy until the 1940s and 1950s when they broke with Modern Orthodoxy over their liberal use of takkanot (rabbinic decrees) that upended aspects of Jewish law. Both stories are correct. The former is more the story of the precursors to the Conservative movement, but the latter story actually is how Conservative Judaism became its own denomination. JTS was founded after the Trefa Banquet made it clear that American Jewry could not be united under a Reform banner. However, the founders had no concept that they were founding a new denomination. In the decades that followed, the terms "Conservative" and "Orthodox" were used interchangeably, and what was considered "Orthodox" was much more expansive than it is today. And after Schechter founded the United Synagogue, it was not clear that its rabbinical council, the RA, was any more or less liberal than that of the "Orthodox" RCA. There were RCA-affiliated synagogues with microphones on Shabbat and without mechitzas, and there were RA-affiliated synagogues without microphones and with mechitzas. However, in the 1940s, the RA rearranged its law committee into the CJLS, which started to regularly pass "takkanot," which the RCA rejected as incompatible with Orthodoxy. From that point on, it became clear that Conservative was going to be its own denomination.

[@faturechi]

@@SamAronow While I generally agree with your criticisms, I think we have to acknowledge that these are issues where there can be debate and require vast simplification even to talk about as an introduction. I was disappointed with the old video because I thought he was presenting as fact things that were simply wrong.

[@GaviLazan]

Well done! This version fixes a lot of the issues I had with the previous one 🎉

[@UsefulCharts]

Good to hear!

[@GaviLazan]

@@UsefulCharts were the images of R Karo and Isserliss the ones from Unpacked? They (with those backgrounds) look identical to the ones they used in their Jewish History Explained series. I know the illustrations of the rabbis are probably public domain, but the backgrounds probably aren't (I think Unpacked created those).

[@UsefulCharts]

Yes. They are from Unpacked. I've collabed with them in the past.

[@GaviLazan]

@@UsefulCharts I know ☺ I used to work there

[@UsefulCharts]

Oh. Of course! You don't work with them anymore? What are you doing now?

[@jps0117]

This was brilliant and very educational.

[@a.thales7641]

This is such a good video. Thank you very much. Loved it! I knew a lot because of my own research but i learned quite a lot!

[@alanzilou2905]

I am not religious myself but I do find this stuff fascinating so thank you for the informative video

[@antonioperito6607]

Thank you for making this. I've recently been doing some research into 2nd Temple Worship and seeing the progression afterwards was very informative. I happen to grow up in an area where there was a significant Orthodox population. Thank you again.

[@justayoutuber1906]

This is great info. This is stuff I never knew - thank you!

[@user-xr7id8me5t]

excellent video, thank for covering this subject

[@wizardemail]

your videos are such an immense help to me in so many ways. i'm an english major (so i deal a lot with religious imagery, references, and history in the classic lit i read), a religion minor, AND am beginning the conversion process to judaism this fall. i can't even begin to guess the number of quizzes and essays you've helped me through, haha. and i absolutely love being able to learn about judaism in particular from someone who's been through the process i'm about to start. seriously, i'm one of your biggest fans lol.

[@asherfriedman877]

Good luck with beginning the conversion process.

[@cyclone411]

brucha haba'a! best wishes on your journey to being a Jew. Best thing I did in my life.

[@swenkelly]

Consider this prolific Jewish author: Rich Robinson - He recently wrote (seriously but with humor also :) about Jewish Values and the NEW Testament: The Day Jesus did Tikkun Olam. A great read and nice glossary of Jewish terms in the back - helpful for me, a non-Jewish person, who loves and prays for Jews and Palestinians; MANY other people groups in our world!

[@statutesofthelord]

Just remember that there are inaccuracies in this video too.

[@statutesofthelord]

wizard, why would anyone wish to join a religion that put God in the flesh on a cross?

[@richardn3387]

Very well explained. It's thoughtful and insightful.

[@johnsamsungs7570]

Hi again, It's been a while. I always appreciate your work. Cheers, John

[@-vz-]

Very happy about taking all the feedback into account! Bravo!

[@8polyglot]

Thanks, Matt. Very enlightening. I as a born and raised Roman Catholic am seeing similar patterns emerge in Catholicism: certain ultra-orthodox streams arising, progressive movements gaining momentum as well, 'traditional' liturgical observers with more progressive social or doctrinal views. I particularly note similar trends in Catholicism (especially in North America and Europe) evolving along the same patterns as "Hiloni, Masorti, Dati, Haredi" divides you described. Of course, other Catholics may not see it that way, but it's a pattern I personally have been noticing.

[@HarshitGarg-CRA]

progressive interpretations need to go away

[@swissphan18]

@@HarshitGarg-CRA I don't particularly care one way or the other, but unless you want Christianity to eventually die out or be made irrelevant, I think you should be happy that there are some people who try to follow god's teachings while also living a life compatible with tolerance and acceptance of others.

[@j.alexander3001]

I am a Catholic, I have a BA in Catholic theological studies and I teach theology in a Catholic high school. You are not wrong. There are "Trads," mainline novus ordo, the sui juris churches, charismatics, neo-cat, progressives, the list goes on. Catholicism, not unlike Judaism can be seen as ethno-religious too.

[@CPATuttle]

Note on this video the Pharasies evolved into Rabbinic Judaism. They reject Jesus and should not choose the Old Testament for Christianity.

[@ralphowen3367]

Jewish and Catholic religions are similar in that they both believe you have to keep the Ten Commands. But with the Catholics, it is 91/2, for they dismiss the command to make no similitudes, likenesses, or images. True Christians are no longer under the law, whether that of Moses or natural/patriarchal law.

[@leiderdawg]

Excited to rewatch it! thank you for being awesome! Update: This is terrific!! and I still think the first section should be required viewing for all Christians.

[@neinzukorruption9321]

Which first section do you mean?

[@lostfan5054]

@@neinzukorruption9321 The part that explains Judaism isn't just "Christianity without Jesus"

[@katherinegilks3880]

I agree completely with your whole comment. The speed limit analogy resonated with me. Incidentally, I always get shocked reactions when I say that “Christianity without Jesus” is Islam. Islam and most modern Protestant Christian denominations are very similar, other than the question of Jesus’s divinity and some surface-level cultural differences. Of course, I say this as someone with a traditional Christian background and who is thus looking at both from the outside.

[@CharlotteIssyvoo]

I'm Matt's wife and I agree. I get so tired of people criticizing "religion" when it's clear that the only religion they know is Christianity. When I try to tell them this, they don't even understand what I'm saying. They cannot comprehend a religion being substantively different from Christianity.

[@batteleyyachtlife9957]

​@CharlotteIssyvoo Hi, I studied Islam from different aspects. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts on how you perceived The Islamic religion is Christianits with Jesus😊

[@jackhlawson]

Incredible video. Thank you so much.

[@colleenorrick5415]

This is really informative. Thank you.

[@michellebell5092]

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. ✝️✡️☪️

[@Austrian_Painter.7]

Love to all abrahamic faith from Indian Muslim☪️✝️✡️

[@fearofaflatearth]

They left out the most important denomination to us: Messianic Judaism! (Not sure if you're really Christian or just trying to bait clicks, if actually Christian you can easily imagine why they left this group out)

[@rudolfambrozenvtuber]

​@@fearofaflatearth Given the inclusion of explicitly secular branches, I don't think there was anything sinister afoot

[@D3ND]

Thank you for making this updated video. I noticed the changes made here and there, and I really liked the final output, and I am happy that you took the time to repost the video updated rather than just putting some comments on the original. Very well done!

[@williamthompson2941]

Thank you so much for this

[@wrestlersmith97]

Love a revisited and revised educational video!

[@jorgegopp6927]

I was waiting for Argentina be mentioned. It was like the 38th minute, i was losing my expectations and then you mentioned it. I'm happy. Greetings from Argentina

[@MaryamMaqdisi]

Same, greetings from Argentina

[@sanich0811]

O Argentina - Land of fled German painters

[@user-cy1ii2jb8d]

Great video! I'm one of those who suggested some changes in the first video, and I have to say I respect you a lot for making the effort and creating a whole new video! Shabbat Shalom :)

[@UsefulCharts]

Thank you!!!

[@shadowbadgercat]

Thank you for posting the video on Friday, rather than on Shabbat ❤️

[@matand5581]

Wow, you did an amazing job! Thank you!

[@TeresaAE]

Thank you ☺️ for this! I am not Jewish but, I respect The Faith and, I respect and support The Jewish people.

[@parkerprice6787]

Hey Matt! I'm a big fan. Have you ever considered doing a video/series on languages? Maybe an Indo-European Family Tree?

[@huffypuff0]

Incredible, amazing video! Thank you!

[@dianastevenson131]

An excellent summary - thank you!

[@dominichowles9092]

Big fan of your posts and this is great by the way. I would slightly disagree with the the act of faith not being as important to Jewish people as opposed to living by the laws. I live in a Hasidic area of London UK, and a couple of my Hasidic neighbours have both said to me that it's integral to them that Moses wrote the first five books of the pentatuch ( my word not theirs) and it's also offensive to question their books. Personally I would call that faith but there you go. Keep up the good work and I always follow your content.

[@Andrea-sg7qp]

I could watch stuff like this all day, I love learning about different religions and the history and variety of beliefs within them. I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to your upcoming videos on other religions!

[@xrisc131]

Great vid! Thank you!!

[@nickj3287]

Thank you for a great video.

[@peckishpagan]

One time I was in a local Judaica store to get a mezuzah and klaf for a friend that just bought a house. A man walked in and asked if they had any books about the different movements in Judaism. The two employees immediately became irate, pretended not to know what he was talking about, insisted that there was only one Judaism, then kicked him out. I would give my pinky toe to see the look in my face because in addition to not being Jewish, I worked for the Union for Reform Judaism at the time😅 I asked my coworkers what the interaction was about and they explained that some Jews believe they’re the only ones, that Jews of other movements aren’t really Jewish and shouldn’t qualify for the Law of Return. I giggled because they could have been describing Baptists 😂

[@talisikid1618]

Baptist? How?

[@talisikid1618]

@@MrBrashRooster not my experience. None of my family were that way. None of my friends either. Some had Jewish best friends. As far as the theology of who is saved, those ministers are right about what The Bible says. If you aren’t saved, you don’t go to heaven. That’s their belief system. Yours is different. But you may want to consider their beliefs more closely, just in case they are right. In any case, this is not the forum to go off on that diversion. Just remember, it’s not good to judge groups by the actions of few. As a Jew, you should understand this principle quite well.

[@ems4884]

That's an attitude some Haredim / Orthodox people have, yes. Though I find that level of rudeness about it fairly extraordinary. I'm not Jewish but have lived my life surrounded by Jewish folks (including within my extended family). I've met some grumpy Haredim having a bad day and never seen dogma turn into hostility. On the other hand, I HAVE seen dogma turn into hostility in the mouths of quite a few very devout Christians and Muslims. I can offer no explanation why other than to point to the history of those two religions.

[@izzymarz6788]

For catholics, belief in Jesus is of course a thing but we also hold on to traditions and practices, so we do care what we 'do' too

[@Sarke2]

Really interesting and very good explained, many things didnt knew before watching your video, thank you.

[@Sigmatic850]

Excellent breakdown. I learned so much!

[@ShalK423]

I love dr Abramson. Hearing you shout him out was awesome. Im Orthodox and dont agree with all your views, but i love all your videos. Shavua tov.

[@yossig100]

סרטון מ ע ו ל ה !!! מלמד, מבהיר, מסדר את הראש. תודה רבה לכותב/עורך/יוזמ/ת😍

[@YaBoiBaxter2024]

Great stuff! I'm learning this at school so thanks alot for the breakdown.

[@philipcarter4532]

There is so much content in this one video that I am sure I need to watch it a dozen times before I can absorb it properly.

[@sidneysapiraortiz9701]

As a reform Jew, I found this video really fun and pretty complete as a first dip into the theme. If you ever plan on making something more in depth I would add a bit more about the major events that brought on the "ruptures" between the different denominations, there are some great and fun stories to be told there. Other than that, I would really like to thank you for making this video. I'm from Brazil, and here we have some difficulty in explaining these differences, including to other jews, since many, if not most, live secular lives but end up attending sinagogues that are mostly some type of orthodox, which is the most common denomination we have, even if they themselves don't agree with the orthodoxy. Finally, I would like to ask you if you plan on selling this chart on the website, I would really like to have it hanging on my wall. Thanks, again :)

[@sleepyzzz5259]

I’ve been subscribed to Henry for a while now. I have learned a ton from his channel. Amazing channel. I highly recommend it.

[@-RONNIE]

Thank you for the video

[@dutchman6533]

Love this work, kudos to you! Great job!

[@cloudkitt]

Very interesting, thanks! I often feel too awkward to ask my Jewish friends stuff like this because I fear they'll feel like I'm testing them or something, in addition to not knowing how "practicing" (to use another probably-inapplicable Christian term) they consider themselves. As a sidenote, with regard to remark about the New Testament not having nice things to say about the Pharisees, something I learned growing up (Eastern Orthodox Christian who went to a Catholic school) was that the reason Jesus seemed harder on the Pharisees was because they were closer to "getting it," so to speak, in addition to simply being more popular with the Jewish people of the time. That they differed from the Sadducee elites in believing in angels and the resurrection of the dead and such, but were simply too wrapped up in making people follow the letter of the law. Obviously I'm no scholar and this is of course a Christian perspective, but it's always something I found interesting, nonetheless.

[@literaterose6731]

Hi! I’d say the more appropriate term to use instead of “practicing” is “observant.” For us Jews, the distinction (at least in practical terms) is about how strictly one observes the religious rules/laws (Halacha), which can vary within denominations and communities. For example: I grew up Conservative, but fairly assimilated and largely non-observant (e.g., we didn’t keep kosher, consistently attend shul or observe Shabbat, etc.), though our identity as Jewish was a central element of our lives. I raised my kids in a more Renewal/Reconstructionist way, at least in terms of the communities we were part of, but far more focused on culture than religion (though ironically we celebrated far more holidays than my family of origin had and my kids had a more thorough Jewish education than I had!). Now, my adult kids and I all think of ourselves as primarily atheist, with an ongoing sense of Jewish cultural connection, but very little observance of holidays or other traditions. Frankly, I think of it as a spectrum, like a lot of other elements in life! Just my 2 shekels worth, if you find the info useful!

[@AJX-2]

I feel like any religious person would be happy to answer questions about their faith and traditions if asked in good faith and with an open mind.

[@SpringStarFangirl]

​@@AJX-2agreed! Orthodox Jew here, if someone asks me about my religion in good faith, even if they don't use the exact right words, I'd be happy to talk about it.

[@RunawayYe]

@@literaterose6731 I like your post, it mirrors my experience in how religion is essentially a mix of belief and customs in arbitrary/individual percentages of the two. Here are three people in my family who all claim to be eastern orthodox christian: My grandmother used to say how she felt god in her heart and that god helped her in life, however she once also said that she doesn't believe that Jesus resurected as "no one has ever risen from the dead". It essentially means she was a theist of some sort but not really christian, however she followed the eastern orthodox christian traditions from her village for her entire life. Interestingly enough she was also the first person in the family to come to terms with me leaving the faith and stopping observing those traditions. Then we have my dad who doesn't care about the theology, and actively refuses to talk/learn about it just saying "I don't know and I don't need to know" and that he just does what everyone else does. He never goes to church unless he absolutely has to and observes only the few most important holidays. He is highly fearful of death and my guess is that is what is fueling his religious behavior (being respectful to god so he doesn't end up in a bad place, basically Pascal's wager), while whether he actually believes in anything is questionable. And last we have my brother who, in true pre-protestant fashion, only cares about what the church says. He has never touched the bible, doesn't know any of the gospels and stories, doesn't even know the name of god (the father, he knows Jesus's name of course) and I doubt that he could explain the trinity. He considers that the church and its traditions are basicaly applied theology so he can just follow those instructions and not have to think about it himself. Oh and in the end he correlates ethnicity with religion and says that because I am not religious he is a better/more of (our ethnicity) than I am. Well, there you go. And thanks for the 2 shekels!

[@MO-bo2du]

Evangelical Christian here, enjoyed the video & learned a lot about your faith, you’re right I had some misunderstandings… thanks!

[@-handala-]

Please keep this series going!

[@cyclone411]

Excellent work! Better than any "accessible" presentation I have ever seen. Kol ha'kavod!

[@nataliesirota2611]

Fabulous job, explaining the basic differences between Judaism and Christianity, cultural customs, denominations, etc.

[@rrd3k3]

I appreciate your insight and perspective. It's true that for Christians, belief is a fundamental aspect, but there's also a strong emphasis on translating those beliefs into actions. I understand and respect the distinction you've pointed out. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and I value the opportunity to learn from different viewpoints. 🙏

[@consultoria2010]

Excellent!!!! Congratulations!!!!

[@melissaluciani2914]

Such a fantastic explanation!!! Thank you

[@MetroStitcher]

Fantastic! I learned so much and it gave me a deeper perspective into my Ashkenazi roots. My brother has been DNA tested as a descendant of Aaron-Moses’s brother, thus the men in my immediate family are Kohens. Would love to learn more about that lineage.

[@UsefulCharts]

There is no DNA test that can confirm you as a descendant of Aaron. You can be confirmed as belonging to the same haplogroup that many modern day Kohanim belong to but that doesn't say anything definitive.

[@MetroStitcher]

@@UsefulCharts good to know thanks.

[@AdemVessell]

You being a convert to Judaism is very cool. Thanks so much for sharing a bit about yourself. How amazing.

[@mirp124]

I learned a lot! Thank you

[@ronhagelstein5701]

Very Informative, Thank you

[@simon_carrick8198]

My best friend is an Ashkenazi Jew, and as a Mormon Christian I’ve always wondered what words like Sephardic, Hasidic, Orthodox, and more actually mean. This video was very informational! Thanks!

[@nickmoser7785]

Where are you from? I assume you're in a big city perhaps salt lake City. The reason why I ask is because there aren't many Jewish people outside of the city and I was curious that any cities that there might be Muslims. I find Islam and Mormonism overlap greatly. Especially in terms of the origins. As well as some sorbid practices and beliefs such as the belief of polygamy both in the heavens and on earth

[@simon_carrick8198]

@@nickmoser7785 My friend and I live in a weird overlap between 3 cities in Oregon, between Portland, Beaverton and Hillsboro. According to Pew Research Center’s 2014 study, 4% of my home state is LDS (Mormon), 2% Jewish and 1% Islamic. However, for Portland singularly my religion makes up still about 4%, though Jewish population is lower at only 0.1% and Islamic believers are at practically 0%. I hear comparisons between my faith and Islam often, and while I do agree the coincidental similarities are there, they’re nothing more than general, surface level observations.

[@paratrooper7340]

If you're Mormon you are not, NOT, Christian!

[@israelilocal]

great video and very needed in my eyes two things that came to mind 1. I think you should have talked about the fact that if an Ashkenazi/Sephardic Jew finds himself living in a community dominated by the other the person was just expected to attend synagogue and adopt at least partly the minhagim of the other while also keeping his own minhag 2. kinda disappointed by the part about Hasidic Judaism mostly because well Chabad isn't actually the largest Hasidic group that title belongs to the Ger Hasidic dynasty I do feel like a video about Hasidism and Hasidic dynasties is right up your alley as it is very connected to Genealogy, Judaism & Theology (note I am definitely biased due to my family's strong Hasidic past i am actually a direct descendent of the first Ger rebbe my family was also prominent in the Ostravetser Hasidism although i am actually Hiloni myself)

[@LangThoughts]

I also consider Breslov Chassidim to be important, since there is the fact that many of their teachings have been incorporated by some Litvaks and Modern Orthodox here in America, and in Israel, while most Chassidim are Chareidi, a group of Breslovers formed a Dati version of their Chassidism, though many Chareidi and American Breslovers denɨgɾate the Dati Breslovers with the term "Na-Nach" (though the Na-Nach strain of Breslovers does include many Chareidi Breslovers in Israel, and many Non-Na-Nach Breslovers are ʙlɨnded to the difference.)

[@chimera9818]

1. Generally it was just living in the local culture of your community, there is reason one of the most common family names for mena Jews is ashkenazi while they themselves are mizrahi or Sephardic 2. Yep entering into rabbinic dynasty and yeshivas that comes from them are their own rabbit holes

[@elka1600]

Superb work! well done!

[@cynthialauer6142]

Really good and clear, thank you. There is a bit more than can be said about different communities like the Bene Israel (the oldest Indian Jewish community, going back at least 2,000 years and still in existence), the Yemeni, etc but they might be a whole other video.

[@Pharoset]

Brilliant! I've been an Ashkenazic Jew for 62 years and the explanations you provide have given me a clarity I've not had before. Thank you, Sir!

[@unyil706]

I love your English, it's easy for me as a nonnative to comprehend❤ Can you summarize the biblical epics? It would be better if you compare them to the Quran version❤

[@CharlotteIssyvoo]

Matt is actually qualified to teach ESL and taught it to young adults for many years in Sri Lanka. I'm his wife and I too taught ESL (to adults) for many years, and then went on to teach English literature and composition to native English college students. So I'm not surprised you find his English easy to understand. We both have training and experience in making sure non-native English speakers can understand us.

[@AndrewBroadbent-dr8wb]

Very good historical information and lots of it, thank you.

[@jessica3285]

Omg love your Matt

[@k012957]

I would be very interested in a breakdown of the Hasidic dynasties. Both their differences and their interrelationships.

[@juliegoldman411]

If u ever visit Brooklyn NY, check out Borough Park...u will see ppl first hand.

[@Trumblocity]

I assume I know nothing or very little which is why I appreciate all the apologists/explainers on KZbin.

[@ivan13f]

thank you for such a clear and informative video!

[@michaelweldon1271]

Matt, I truly love your charts. Your method of explaining makes every video extremely entertaining and informative. Long ago I did a few charts along similar lines for seminary and later when working on my PhD.. Yours is a very difficult job and can easily result in omissions - as today, I don't see a reference to the Jews of India and a few months back, I mentioned a similar omission of non resurrection Christians.. Yes, those are small groups, but shouldn't they be included..??

[@Maurice-Navel]

Nicely presented, carefully done! One nit: See if you can pronounce Hebrew words with the accent at the end. Like kabbaLAH, hiloNI, daTI, hareDI. Israelis tend to do that, and it sounds better to my ear too. Otherwise, toDAH rabBAH.

[@nerysghemor5781]

Thanks for this! I do want to point out that healthy Christianity does think about the here and now and living a holy life benefits the world. That said the emphasis on this really varies and I would say it is seen in the most pronounced fashion in Catholics, Methodists, and Eastern Orthodoxy. But you are totally right about what we are looking for in a church. My church is going through the process of finding a denomination that suits us and belief is one of the first things we are trying to verify. But as Methodists we are interested in practice too, which has been neglected by some liberal Methodist groups. Very cool to learn about this!

[@Vancamil76]

Exceptional. Congratulations

[@Davidharicourt]

Thank you for this very helpful video. It’s such a good tool to help In understanding a little more about the history and beliefs of Judaism - and clear up some stereotypes. Awesome.