Characteristics of American Judaism

The main title of this thesis is "Characteristic features of American Judaism" and written by Murat İBA. Our thesis consists of three main sections. In the first part; before moving to American Judaism, the Jews in Europe outlined; the beginning of the history, religious, social and cultural situations are discussed. Then some; the situation of Jews in European countries such as Spain, Germany, Russia, Italy, England and Portugal was evaluated. In the second part, by starting to explain American Judaism, firstly the reasons of immigration from European countries to America are mentioned. The beginning of Judaism in the USA was evaluated after these massive migrations to America. Then, non-governmental organizations founded by Jews in America were mentioned. Then, the effect of Yiddish language on social and religious life was discussed. In the continuation; by considering the relationship with Zionism, anti-Zionism is also mentioned. After examining the social and economic situation of the Jews in the United States, the enlightenment activities among the Jews were explained and their impact on the founder and US Jews was discussed. In the third and last part, Jewish religious groups in the United States that emerged in this country in the following years are discussed. These religious groups are; Reformist Jews, Orthodox Jews, Conservative Jews, Reconstructive Judaism and Hasidis (Mystic Judaism). While these religious groups are being told; the reasons for their emergence, their historical periods, their founders, institutions and organizations, basic belief principles, ways of worship, their approach to Zionism, women's place in daily life, their understanding of Messiah, hereafter belief and the understanding of holy book. Comparison of Reformist Jews and Orthodox Jews in the United States was made under a title in this section. In this section, current and future problems of Jews in the USA are mentioned as well.