As two of the great traditions within the religion of Judaism, the Orthodox and Reform branches share a common heritage and provide a spiritual home for a number of people. While originating from the same experiences, both Reform and Orthodox Judaism understand Jewish identity in ways that differ in a number of areas. Here are a few examples of the differences that are found between Orthodox and Reform Judaism.

One area of difference has to do with the interpretation of sacred texts. Orthodox Jews have maintained an understanding of both scriptural writings and rabbinical teaching that is somewhat literal. Because of this literal understanding, an Orthodox Jew will tend to be very strict in the beliefs of a literal messiah who is yet to come, a literal restoration of the promised land, and a literal life after death. By contrast, Reform Judaism tends to be more conceptual in its approach to scripture and historic rabbinical teachings. While still revering sacred writings and the work of rabbis through the ages, Reform Jews tend to see scripture as writings that are about the ongoing consecration of the house of Israel to God. Within that understanding, Reform Judaism tends to approach the scriptural texts without deeming them to be infallible.

The status and function of women within Judaism is also different between the two branches. Reform Judaism differs in the inclusion of women in the act of worship in two significant ways. First, men and women are not segregated in a Reformed service. This is different than in Orthodox worship, where men and women are not allowed to sit together. The Orthodox tradition on seating is often connected back to the concept that the female is ritually unclean during menstruation. Rather than isolate women who are currently experiencing a menstrual period, all women are segregated from the men. Another school of thought determines that women are a distraction to the men from the focus of worship, and that both genders benefit from being separated during the time of worshiping. Reform congregations do not consider either of these reasons, or any other reasons, to be sufficient to cause males and females to be segregated during worship.

The second difference involving the status of women has to do with function within the community. The Reform tradition has been open to women as rabbis, cantors, and educators for a number of years. Many Reform congregations cherish the presence of women in all these roles and believe the full inclusion of women in these central functions of the congregation has enriched the worship experience. By contrast, these are all roles limited to men within the Orthodox tradition. Seeing these roles as directly designated by God for men only, the idea of a woman occupying any of these roles would be considered an affront to Deity as well as to the congregation.

To a degree, the different approaches to the roles of women within the faith are directly tied back into the interpretation of Jewish law and scripture. The approach of Orthodox Judaism to a literal understanding of Jewish law and a belief in the infallibility of scripture will no doubt continue to be the norm. By contrast, Reformed Judaism is likely to continue to proclaim that law and scripture are to be honored but considered to be guidance. With one tradition being highly detailed and focused, while the other allows a great deal of room for individuals to develop their personal beliefs within the context of a caring community, the gulf between the Orthodoxy and Reform Judaism is likely to widen even further in the years to come.