Throughout the ages the lives and culture of the Jewish race have been sculpted by the Torah, a book that is to Jews as the Bible is to Christians. Indeed, from the time of the Jewish kingdoms they have always been governed by kings, the priesthood and prophets, all of whom had to have intimate knowledge of the Torah. To this day a Florida rabbi, as an example, must do the studies that were required of the members of the priesthood in ancient times.
The term Ribbi or Rabban, as they are also called, derives from the Hebrew word that translates as Great One or My Master. This indicates the measure of respect that these religious leaders enjoy within their communities and congregations. They are revered as scholars and their interpretation of the Jewish law is seen as final and authoritative. They almost always play a prominent leadership role within the Jewish community.
In order to be ordained as a Ribbi it is necessary to complete five years of study. The curriculum is dominated by studies of the Jewish law and responsa. Most Ribbis hold the qualification of Yore yore, which means He Shall Teach. Advanced studies may lead to the qualification of Yadin yadin, translating as He Shall Judge. A very small percentage of Ribbis hold the latter qualification.
Judaism consists of many different movements and there have always been differences and even disputes between the various movement. Some movements, such as the Orthodox and Conservatives will not accept the qualifications or authority of Ribbis belonging to other movements. The Reconstructive and Reform movements will accept the authority of Ribbis from other movements but they will not accept their interpretation of the Jewish law.
Traditionally only men qualified to be ordained as Ribbis. There are a few notable exceptions, such as Asenath Barzani, who worked as a rabbi among Kurdish Jews in the seventeenth century. With the exception of the Orthodox and some of the more conservative movements this is no longer the case. Women have been ordained for several decades now. Progressive movements will even allow the ordination of openly gay and lesbian people.
Traditionally, Ribbis concentrated on the interpretation of Jewish law and officiated only at important ceremonies. During the past few decades, however, they have been influenced to take on other roles within their congregations. Many of these changes have been inspired by the roles Christian pastors are expected to play. They play the role of counselor, preacher and teacher and many Ribbis play prominent roles in civic organizations.
The requirements for conversion to Judaism differ from denomination to denomination. In most cases the potential convert will be expected to study Jewish law and to start living according to Jewish practices. Formal acceptance is afforded by a religious court with at least three Ribbis presiding. Unfortunately, some movements will not accept converts that have been accepted by other movements.
Rabbis play a very important role in the lives of Jewish communities. They adjudicate disputes, explain the Jewish law and act as community leaders. The culture of Jews is steeped in tradition but is governed by the Torah. The local Ribbi is the final authority regarding the interpretation of these laws.
The term Ribbi or Rabban, as they are also called, derives from the Hebrew word that translates as Great One or My Master. This indicates the measure of respect that these religious leaders enjoy within their communities and congregations. They are revered as scholars and their interpretation of the Jewish law is seen as final and authoritative. They almost always play a prominent leadership role within the Jewish community.
In order to be ordained as a Ribbi it is necessary to complete five years of study. The curriculum is dominated by studies of the Jewish law and responsa. Most Ribbis hold the qualification of Yore yore, which means He Shall Teach. Advanced studies may lead to the qualification of Yadin yadin, translating as He Shall Judge. A very small percentage of Ribbis hold the latter qualification.
Judaism consists of many different movements and there have always been differences and even disputes between the various movement. Some movements, such as the Orthodox and Conservatives will not accept the qualifications or authority of Ribbis belonging to other movements. The Reconstructive and Reform movements will accept the authority of Ribbis from other movements but they will not accept their interpretation of the Jewish law.
Traditionally only men qualified to be ordained as Ribbis. There are a few notable exceptions, such as Asenath Barzani, who worked as a rabbi among Kurdish Jews in the seventeenth century. With the exception of the Orthodox and some of the more conservative movements this is no longer the case. Women have been ordained for several decades now. Progressive movements will even allow the ordination of openly gay and lesbian people.
Traditionally, Ribbis concentrated on the interpretation of Jewish law and officiated only at important ceremonies. During the past few decades, however, they have been influenced to take on other roles within their congregations. Many of these changes have been inspired by the roles Christian pastors are expected to play. They play the role of counselor, preacher and teacher and many Ribbis play prominent roles in civic organizations.
The requirements for conversion to Judaism differ from denomination to denomination. In most cases the potential convert will be expected to study Jewish law and to start living according to Jewish practices. Formal acceptance is afforded by a religious court with at least three Ribbis presiding. Unfortunately, some movements will not accept converts that have been accepted by other movements.
Rabbis play a very important role in the lives of Jewish communities. They adjudicate disputes, explain the Jewish law and act as community leaders. The culture of Jews is steeped in tradition but is governed by the Torah. The local Ribbi is the final authority regarding the interpretation of these laws.
About the Author:
Feel free to browse around our official website to learn more about Florida rabbi Steven Westman. To get further information, click on the contact button of this page http://rabbistevenwestman.com.
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