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The Orthodox consider themselves the exclusive followers of halakhic Judaism, which was shaped by great Jewish sages following the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and by authoritative interpreters of halakha (Jewish law) over successive generations.
Orthodox Jews are not a monolithic group. Orthodox Judaism encompasses a variety of approaches and subgroups that differ from one another in their recognition of rabbinical authority, interpretation of religious doctrines, strictness of observance of the commandments and halakha, and the varying degrees and types of separation and isolation they impose on themselves in relation to society as a whole.
Orthodox subgroups also differ from one another in their clothing and everyday behavior. Nevertheless, there are certain principles which all Orthodox share, including the absolute belief in one God and in the eternal covenant made by God with the Jewish people. They also accept the binding authority of halakha.
