Orthodox Judaism

In addition to resisting these innovations, traditional or Orthodox leaders put forward a spirited defense of traditional Judaism. Sometimes they sought support for Judaism from newly developed scientific discoveries. At other times, they directly opposed modern ideas on topics such as the good life and personal happiness through appeals to traditional Jewish ethical teaching. On still other occasions, they declared that certain views about Judaism—such as the view that Jews were told not to participate in trading or commerce—were really caricatures. They held that traditional Judaism, with slight accommodation to reflect modern circumstances, offered the optimal approach to living a life that would satisfy the individual through satisfying the commands of God. This form of Judaism is often spoken of as neo-Orthodoxy to distinguish it from the largely unmodified religious observance and practice of Eastern European Jews of that time.