Orthodox Judaism is the approach to religious
Judaism which adheres to the interpretation and application of the laws and ethics of the
Torah as legislated in the
Talmudic texts by the
Sanhedrin ("
Oral Torah") and subsequently developed and applied by the later authorities known as the
Gaonim,
Rishonim, and
Acharonim. Orthodox Jews are also called "observant Jews"; Orthodoxy is known also as "Torah Judaism" or "traditional Judaism". Orthodox Judaism generally refers to
Modern Orthodox Judaism and
Haredi Judaism but can actually include a wide range of beliefs.
As of 2001, approximately 13 percent of American Jews and 25 percent of Israeli Jews were Orthodox. Among American synagogue members, 27 percent attended Orthodox synagogues.