Haredi Judaism ( ', ; also spelled "Charedi", plural "Haredim" or "Charedim") consists of groups within Orthodox Judaism characterized by a strict adherence to "halakha" (Jewish law) and traditions, as opposed to modern values and practices. Its members are usually referred to as ultra-Orthodox in English; however, the term "ultra-Orthodox" is considered pejorative by some of its adherents who prefer terms like strictly Orthodox. Haredi Jews regard themselves as the most religiously authentic group of Jews, although this claim is contested by other streams of Judaism.