What Does it Take to be a Rabbi

By Celso Cukierkorn


The word Rabbi is Hebrew . The word means teacher. Normally, they are taken as religious or spiritual leaders or teachers by the Jews. They are teachers of Torah, an idea in Judaism that educates about the history and cultural practices of the Jews. There are certain conditions that have to be met in order to attain this status.

The most basic of all conditions is, you must be practicing Judaism. For those who would want to join from other denominations, they are required to convert to the Jewish religion. There are three different branches in this religion, you have to understand all these branches before converting to any of them. All of them have different events involved in the conversion process. The branches are conservative, orthodox and reform or Reconstructionist

Also, to succeed, good communication and listening skills are required. Since one is normally a teacher of Jewish law, he/she must be an effective speaker. Again, in some instances, one might be required to offer guidance and counseling. Therefore it follows that a person must harbor good listening skills. This will allow him/her fully understands a situation and to provide the best guidance. Therefore, interpersonal skills are very vital.

Another item of importance is to decide the branch you feel to pursue or serve. There are three branches namely, Reform or Reconstructive, Orthodox and Conservative. Each branch has its own ways of praise and worship. Also, the lifestyles vary from one branch to another. Conservatives advocates for reforms but requires Jews to stick to the basic laws in the Jewish religion. Orthodox is the most ancient branch that does not ordain women, it also does not accept conservatism and calls for adherence to traditional ways of worship. Finally, the reform branch, born from the Jews in Europe and North America, seeks to adapt the whole ways of Judaism.

It is also important to have higher education. Normally, most Jewish seminaries will ask for a university degree. Education is a quality that will easily make a person to be successful leader. This is because people tend to have more confidence in people who are educated. Also, educated people always seem to be more insightful and knowledgeable as opposed to those who lack it.

A Rabbi is normally a religious leader. It is not a surprise that many people view it as a calling from God. Therefore, it is important to gain some life experience before joining. One can either be a teacher, doctor or any other line of professional. Such experience will enable you harness enough skills that will get you to know how to handle the masses. Again, that way, it is easier to understand the community.

The most important stage is the seminary school. After meeting all the conditions above, you can be allowed to join a seminary school. It might take you up to seven years to fully complete the religious education. You can never be a Rabbi without going through a seminary school. This stage is unavoidable. After which you graduate with a certificate in Hebrew letters.

Finally, you have to seek a congregation that you want to serve. This can be through appointment by leaders of the congregation or application. You should be willing to start with a small post as you wait to grow. You can begin as an assistant. At the end, it will be in order to be referred to as a Rabbi.




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