Amish vs. Jewish — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 30, 2023
The Amish are a Christian group living simply, often without modern technology, while Jewish refers to people following Judaism, a religion with diverse practices and beliefs.
Difference Between Amish and Jewish
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The Amish are Christians with specific lifestyle choices. Jewish people follow Judaism, an Abrahamic religion with distinct beliefs and traditions.
Amish communities often avoid modern technology. Jewish communities vary widely in their use of technology and lifestyle.
The Amish have a unique, conservative culture. Jewish culture is diverse, with varying practices among different communities.
Amish communities are primarily in North America. Jewish communities are found worldwide, with significant diversity.
Some Amish speak Pennsylvania Dutch. Jewish people may speak various languages, including Hebrew and Yiddish.
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Comparison Chart
Religious Beliefs
Christian, Anabaptist tradition
Followers of Judaism
Lifestyle
Simple, often eschewing technology
Varies widely, modern to traditional
Cultural Practices
Conservative, uniform community
Diverse, from Orthodox to Reform
Geographical Spread
Mostly North America
Global, with varied practices
Language
Pennsylvania Dutch, English
Hebrew, Yiddish, local languages
Compare with Definitions
Amish
The Amish are a Christian group known for simple living.
The Amish community nearby avoids using cars.
Jewish
Jewish people follow the religion of Judaism.
The Jewish family celebrated Hanukkah every year.
Amish
Amish often avoid modern technology.
The Amish family used horse-drawn buggies instead of cars.
Jewish
Jewish culture is diverse, spanning various traditions.
Jewish cuisine varies from Ashkenazi to Sephardic flavors.
Amish
Amish live in close-knit rural communities.
The Amish farm was self-sufficient and serene.
Jewish
Hebrew is a significant language in Jewish culture.
The Jewish prayer was recited in Hebrew.
Amish
The Amish uphold conservative values.
The Amish community values strong family ties and hard work.
Jewish
The Jewish community is global with a rich history.
Jewish communities have contributed significantly to global culture.
Amish
The Amish (; Pennsylvania German: Amisch; German: Amische) are a group of traditionalist Christian church fellowships with Swiss German and Alsatian Anabaptist origins. They are closely related to Mennonite churches.
Jewish
Jewish religious practices include observing the Sabbath.
The Jewish family observed Shabbat every Friday night.
Amish
An orthodox Anabaptist sect that separated from the Mennonites in the late 17th century and exists today primarily in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.
Jewish
Of or relating to the Jews or their culture or religion.
Amish
Of or relating to this sect or its members.
Jewish
Of or pertaining to the Jews or Hebrews; characteristic of or resembling the Jews or their customs; Israelitish.
Amish
The Amish Mennonites.
Jewish
Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Judaism.
Amish
Of, pertaining to, or designating, the followers of Jacob Amman, a strict Mennonite of the 17th century, who even proscribed the use of buttons and shaving as "worldly conformity". There are several branches of Amish Mennonites in the United States. A branch having particularly strict adherence to the Amish principles are called Old Order Amish
Jewish
Of or relating to Jews or their culture or religion;
He is Jewish
A Jewish wedding
Amish
An American follower of the Mennonite religion
Amish
Amish wear plain, modest clothing.
Amish men often wear straw hats and suspenders.
Common Curiosities
What language do Amish people speak?
Some Amish speak Pennsylvania Dutch along with English.
What is Judaism?
Judaism is a monotheistic religion with a rich history and diverse practices.
Do Amish use electricity?
Most Amish communities avoid using electricity to maintain simplicity.
What is kosher in Jewish tradition?
Kosher refers to foods permissible under Jewish dietary laws.
Are all Amish farmers?
Many Amish are farmers, but some pursue other trades.
What are some Jewish holidays?
Jewish holidays include Passover, Hanukkah, and Yom Kippur.
Is being Jewish a cultural or religious identity?
It can be both; some identify with Jewish culture, others with the religion.
What is the main belief of the Amish?
The Amish are Christians with a focus on simplicity and community.
Can Amish use modern medicine?
Yes, Amish people may use modern medicine when necessary.
Can outsiders join the Amish community?
Joining requires adopting their lifestyle and beliefs, which is rare for outsiders.
Do Amish pay taxes?
Amish pay taxes but may be exempt from some due to their lifestyle.
What is a synagogue in Jewish culture?
A synagogue is a place of worship and community for Jewish people.
What's the difference between Orthodox and Reform Judaism?
Orthodox Judaism strictly adheres to traditional laws, while Reform Judaism adopts a more liberal approach.
Are Amish and Mennonites the same?
They share Anabaptist roots but differ in lifestyle and technology use.
What is the Torah in Judaism?
The Torah is the central religious text in Judaism.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
