Counterculture - A Jewish Young Adult's View

Counterculture is when a culture’s behaviours and tradition differ as they transcend through different times. Through generations, traditions and behaviours can be altered or lost, but some still remain true and unchanged. The same applies to modern-day Judaism; it’s no secret that Reform and Liberal Jews have a different style of reciting prayer to Orthodox Jews, like how Reform Jews sing many prayers whereas Orthodox jews prefer to recite prayer in a more traditional way by speaking their prayers.

Another difference between Reform Judaism and Orthodox Judaism is that on Shabbat, Orthodox Jews keep a very strict no-work policy. In order to obey this, Orthodox Jews refuse to do any work - they even make sure to cook food ahead of time, as even lighting an oven is considered work. During Shabbat, Orthodox Jews also make sure to keep their distance from electrical devices; they will not use phones, computers, or even cars until Shabbat has concluded.

Reform and Liberal Jews, however, do not keep these traditions. Instead, they indulge in spending time with their families and enjoying the Sabbath. They often spend Shabbat with each other, share a meal, and play family games. Another group of Jews is called Hasidic Jews. Hasidic Judaism became very popular in Ukrain in the 18th century, and the phenomenon continued to spread around Jews all over Europe. Hasidic Jews often dress in black suits and - like many Orthodox Jews - wear their hair in payot, as Jews believe that in Leviticus, G-d spoke to man and said “Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard”

The Hasidic movement revolves around joy and love, and - like Reform and Liberal Jews - value song, and often pray in song. Hasidic Jews are also the largest growing group of Jews in the world.

Who would have thought life could be so enjoyable

Sadness, lies deceit and betrayal

All abolished in an attempt at perfect life

Living life in perfect portrayal

Everyone living life

Lounging in utopia

Laughing and smiling together

They now know no sorrow

Friends and foes put down their weapons

No need for dungeon nor jail

So pleasant and pure

Who would have thought life could be lived so perfectly