Changes to Jewish Festivals and Fasts (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

Changes in religious practices for Jewish festivals & fasts

• Jewish festivals and fasts are still very important to the Jewish people

• The ways they are observed have changed due to the following:

  • Modern lifestyles

  • Technology

  • Different denominational practices

• In the past, festivals and fasts were observed strictly according to Halakhah (Jewish law) and included:

  • Synagogue attendance

  • Fasting or feasting

  • Following Torah-based rituals (for example, Seder, sukkah, shofar)

  • Strictly avoiding work  on holy days (for example, Yom Kippur, Pesach)

• Many Orthodox Jews have maintained the traditional approach, but there have been some changes in practice with other traditions:

  • Reform, Liberal and Progressive Jews may adapt rituals that might include shorter services and more gender-inclusive language

  • Some rituals may be viewed more as symbolic rather than literal

  • Some festivals are shorter, and some days are Chol Hamoed

  • Fasting is encouraged but is a matter of personal choice and may depend on health and age

• Technology also plays a part now with some religious practices

  • Some synagogue services are livestreamed

  • There are online Seder guides, prayer books and education for convenience

  • Apps and websites are available to help with rituals and prayers

• Some Jews (particularly Orthodox) reject technology on holy days (for example, no phones on Shabbat or Yom Kippur)

• For many people, there is now greater access and inclusion in Jewish practice, and services may now include:

  • Interfaith families

  • Gender equality (for example, women wearing tallit and leading prayers)

  • Translations and modern readings for greater understanding

• Practices may also be different depending on global and cultural differences

  • For example, Sukkot may be celebrated indoors in cold countries or with local decorations

• Practices may also have changed to adapt to modern living

  • Some Jewish people adapt fasting or observance to fit modern work or school schedules

  • Jewish holidays are sometimes celebrated communally in schools or part-time at home

How Jews with different beliefs view the changes

• Attitudes to the changes in festivals and fasts differ depending on the Jewish tradition

Orthodox Judaism 

• Many Orthodox Jews reject most modern changes

• Orthodox Jews:

  • Believe that the Torah and Halakhah are given by G-d and so cannot be altered 

  • State that Jews must observe festivals and fasts exactly as commanded

  • Might view changes as a threat to tradition and identity

• As a result, Orthodox Jews are:

  • Likely to oppose livestreamed services or the use of electronics on holy days

  • More likely to maintain strict rules for fasting, Sukkot, Pesach and other festivals

  • Likely to be concerned that loosening practices weakens commitment to G-d

Reform Judaism

• Reform Judaism is likely to be more accepting of changes to Jewish festivals and fasts

• Reform Jews:

  • Are more supportive of adapting tradition to suit modern life

  • Often believe that Judaism should evolve to stay meaningful and relevant

  • May focus more on ethical teachings than ritual details

  • May view the Torah as inspired by G-d but open to interpretation

• As a result, Reform Jews:

  • May accept shorter services, modern music and translations

  • Encourage religious observance but are more flexible about how this takes place

  • May encourage technology to increase access