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 word Ribbi or Rabban, other names for these religious leaders is from the Hebrew term that means My Master or Great One. From the title it is clear that these leaders are held in very high esteem and that they enjoy a great deal of respect from their communities. They are scholarly and they commonly fill important leadership positions within the Jewish community.
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.
There is more than one movement in Judaism and there have always been disputes about the legitimacy of Ribbis between the various branches of the religion. Ribbis from the Orthodox and Conservative movements for example, are reluctant to recognize or accept the authority of Ribbis from other movements. Rabbis from the Reform and Reconstructive movements will accept the leadership of Ribbis from other movements but they reject 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.
Conversion to Judaism is a thorny issue. The various denominations have different requirements that must be met before conversation can be confirm by a rabbinical court consisting of three Ribbis. Those wishing to convert are generally required to study Jewish law and to incorporate Jewish practices in their daily lives. The problem is that some movements will not accept converts from other movements as Jews.
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 word Ribbi or Rabban, other names for these religious leaders is from the Hebrew term that means My Master or Great One. From the title it is clear that these leaders are held in very high esteem and that they enjoy a great deal of respect from their communities. They are scholarly and they commonly fill important leadership positions within the Jewish community.
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.
There is more than one movement in Judaism and there have always been disputes about the legitimacy of Ribbis between the various branches of the religion. Ribbis from the Orthodox and Conservative movements for example, are reluctant to recognize or accept the authority of Ribbis from other movements. Rabbis from the Reform and Reconstructive movements will accept the leadership of Ribbis from other movements but they reject 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.
Conversion to Judaism is a thorny issue. The various denominations have different requirements that must be met before conversation can be confirm by a rabbinical court consisting of three Ribbis. Those wishing to convert are generally required to study Jewish law and to incorporate Jewish practices in their daily lives. The problem is that some movements will not accept converts from other movements as Jews.
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.
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