Since ancient times the Jewish race have enjoyed a culture that is very closely connected to the Torah, the holy book that can be compared with the Christian Bible. This becomes especially clear when one considers the fact that the early kingdoms of Israel and Judah were rules by kings, prophets and the priesthood. All of the above were required to be well versed in the teachings of the Torah. Today, a Florida rabbi, for example, must undergo the same training as the early members of the priesthood.
The title comes from the Hebrew word that means My Master, or Great One. Ribbis or Rabban, as they are also called, are held in very high esteem within their communities and congregations. They are seen as wise and scholarly men that not only give leadership to the community but that can also interpret the Jewish laws and that serve as an example of how to live an exemplary life.
Before a potential student can be ordained as a Ribbi it is necessary to successfully complete up to five years of intense study. Much of this time is spent studying Jewish law and also responsa. The student is then awarded the qualification Yore yore which translates as He Shall Teach. After further intensive studies the qualification of Yadin yadin, meaning He Shall Judge can also be earned. Very few students earn the latter qualification, however.
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.
The various Jewish denominations also differ on who is eligible to be ordained as a Ribbi. In the Orthodox and some of the conservative movements only men are allowed to take up this title, although there have been slow progress toward the appointment of women. In most other movements women are routinely ordained and there is not even a prohibition against the ordination of gays and lesbians.
In the past the central role of the Ribbi was to interpret the law and to settle disputes within the congregation. The actual management of the congregations was done by lay members of the synagogue. Lately, the role of the Ribbi has changed to include preaching, counseling and leading the congregation. Most Jewish charities and secular organizations also feature Ribbis in their leadership cadres.
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.
Judaism is not and has never been a single religion. It consists of many different movements and some of them differ significantly. In all the various movements the role of the Rabbi remains central, however. The Ribbi is expected to teach and to interpret the law. They preside at all important ceremonies and they act as leaders of their communities.
The title comes from the Hebrew word that means My Master, or Great One. Ribbis or Rabban, as they are also called, are held in very high esteem within their communities and congregations. They are seen as wise and scholarly men that not only give leadership to the community but that can also interpret the Jewish laws and that serve as an example of how to live an exemplary life.
Before a potential student can be ordained as a Ribbi it is necessary to successfully complete up to five years of intense study. Much of this time is spent studying Jewish law and also responsa. The student is then awarded the qualification Yore yore which translates as He Shall Teach. After further intensive studies the qualification of Yadin yadin, meaning He Shall Judge can also be earned. Very few students earn the latter qualification, however.
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.
The various Jewish denominations also differ on who is eligible to be ordained as a Ribbi. In the Orthodox and some of the conservative movements only men are allowed to take up this title, although there have been slow progress toward the appointment of women. In most other movements women are routinely ordained and there is not even a prohibition against the ordination of gays and lesbians.
In the past the central role of the Ribbi was to interpret the law and to settle disputes within the congregation. The actual management of the congregations was done by lay members of the synagogue. Lately, the role of the Ribbi has changed to include preaching, counseling and leading the congregation. Most Jewish charities and secular organizations also feature Ribbis in their leadership cadres.
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.
Judaism is not and has never been a single religion. It consists of many different movements and some of them differ significantly. In all the various movements the role of the Rabbi remains central, however. The Ribbi is expected to teach and to interpret the law. They preside at all important ceremonies and they act as leaders of their communities.
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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