 THE PLACE OF THE RABBI IN JUDAISM
Some Jews choose to become rabbis. Until modern times, there were no
women rabbis, recently, however, women have entered the rabbinate in three
of the four modern Jewish movements. Unlike Christian priests, a rabbi is
not thought to have heard a “call” from God. A rabbi is simply a
person who has studied deeply the books of Judaism and who has gained
enough knowledge to answer the many questions that average Jews must ask
in order to live a full Jewish life.
As a part of their task, modern rabbis perform marriages, name
babies, conduct religious services, preach sermons, lead discussions, and
counsel those in need of advice. In addition, rabbis often lead their
communities in a variety of Jewish affairs. These could include the
raising of funds for Israel and the American Jewish community; directing
religious schools and other Jewish agencies such as old age homes,
counseling services, Jewish community centers, and welfare associations;
and serving as chaplains in the armed forces of the United States. Rabbis
also officiate at burial ceremonies and try to comfort the bereaved.
OTHER JEWISH PROFESSIONS
In addition to rabbis, other professionals often serve Jewish
communities. Jewish day schools may have a Headmaster or Principal; and
Jewish afternoon schools, religious schools, and preschools may have a
Principal or Director of Education. These individuals bring a combination
of Jewish learning and administrative skills to their work, as do the
people who serve as administrators for synagogues or Jewish community
centers.
Most Jewish communities also have a federation that collects
donations to the community and sees to their proper distribution. Many
Jewish professionals serve these federations, most of them bringing
combinations of skills in social work, Jewish learning, and Jewish
administration.
Professional Jews may also serve as teachers in Jewish programs in
universities, or as directors of the Hillel foundation, which organizes
Jewish college students for prayer and study.
Rabbis are often aided by cantors or soloists, who bring traditional
and modern Jewish music to the congregation and may help to prepare
students by teaching them the proper melodies for reading the Torah and
chanting the prayers.
Jewish artists often specialize in creating ritual art for the
Jewish community, combining their talents with their knowledge. Jewish
poets, writers, and publishers may devote their work to educating the Jews
through a continual outpouring of new works that illumine and enlighten
their readers.
The variety of available Jewish professions is amazing, all of them
calling on combinations which always include Jewish learning.
(c) 2008 by Seymour Rossel
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