Hey there! This is a great question, and yeah, it can get super confusing with all the academic stuff online. I'll try to break it down really simply based on what I've seen and understood.
Think of it this way: Orthodox Judaism is generally about sticking super closely to the traditional Jewish laws and practices that have been passed down for thousands of years. They see those laws as basically unchanging and from God. Reform Judaism, on the other hand, sees Jewish law and tradition as something that can evolve and be reinterpreted for modern times. They focus more on the ethical principles and individual choice.
So, what does that look like day-to-day?
Sabbath (Shabbat): This is a huge one. For Orthodox Jews, Shabbat (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown) is a complete break from work, driving, using electricity, cooking, shopping, using phones, pretty much anything that feels like 'work.' It's a day for prayer, study, family, and just chilling out. For Reform Jews, Shabbat is still important, but it's much more relaxed. They might go to services, have a nice family meal, but they'll drive, use their phones, go about their regular lives more or less, just making sure to carve out some spiritual time.
Food (Kosher): Orthodox Jews pretty much stick to strict kosher laws. This means only eating certain animals, having meat and dairy completely separate, and only eating food that's been prepared under special supervision. It can be a big deal for where they eat out or what they buy at the grocery store. Reform Jews, generally, are much more relaxed about this. Some might keep some level of kosher (like no pork), but most don't follow the super strict rules. It's more of a personal choice.
Synagogue/Prayer: In an Orthodox synagogue, services are almost entirely in Hebrew, men and women usually sit separately (sometimes with a divider), and it's very traditional. Men wear kippahs (skullcaps) all the time, and some wear ritual fringes. For Reform Jews, services are often a mix of Hebrew and English, men and women sit together, and there's a lot more modern music and participation. Women can also be rabbis and cantors, which isn't the case in Orthodoxy. Wearing a kippah is usually optional, mostly just during services.
Role of Women: This is a big difference. In Orthodoxy, women have really important roles, especially in the home and family, but they don't lead public prayer or become rabbis. In Reform, women have full equality – they can lead services, become rabbis, do everything men can do.
Intermarriage: Orthodox Judaism generally doesn't recognize intermarriage and children are only Jewish if their mother is Jewish. Reform Judaism is much more open to interfaith families and often welcomes them, and their rabbis may officiate at interfaith weddings.
It really boils down to how strictly you follow the ancient laws versus how much you adapt them for modern life. Both are super valid and important expressions of Judaism, just with different approaches to tradition and observance. Hope that helps clear things up a bit!