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.
The training necessary to become an ordained Ribbi is arduous and last for five years. Most of this time is spent on studies of response and Jewish law. After five years the student is awarded the qualification of Yore yore. The qualification translates as He Shall Teach. A small percentage of students continue to receive a further qualification called Yadin yadin. This means He Shall Judge.
The Jewish faith consists of a number of different movements. There are many disputes between the various movements and they do not always agree on matters of law. Ribbis belonging to the Reconstructive and Reform movements, for example, will accept the leadership of Ribbis from other movements but they reject their reading of the Jewish law. Orthodox and Conservative Ribbis are reluctant to recognize Ribbis from any other movement.
The various Jewish denominations also differ about the issue of who can become a Ribbi. Until recently it was an exclusively male profession although there are a few interesting exceptions. Today, most denominations accept female Ribbis and some movements will even ordain openly gay and lesbian Ribbis. This is not the case in the Orthodox and some other conservative movements, however.
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 not uncommon, especially in cases where a non Jew wishes to marry a Jew. The requirements for conversion differ wildly between the various denominations but in most cases a conversion is finally approved by a rabbinical court. The convert must become conversant in Jewish law and incorporate Jewish customs and rituals in their daily lives. Converts to a specific movement are not always accepted by other movements within the Jewish faith.
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 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.
The training necessary to become an ordained Ribbi is arduous and last for five years. Most of this time is spent on studies of response and Jewish law. After five years the student is awarded the qualification of Yore yore. The qualification translates as He Shall Teach. A small percentage of students continue to receive a further qualification called Yadin yadin. This means He Shall Judge.
The Jewish faith consists of a number of different movements. There are many disputes between the various movements and they do not always agree on matters of law. Ribbis belonging to the Reconstructive and Reform movements, for example, will accept the leadership of Ribbis from other movements but they reject their reading of the Jewish law. Orthodox and Conservative Ribbis are reluctant to recognize Ribbis from any other movement.
The various Jewish denominations also differ about the issue of who can become a Ribbi. Until recently it was an exclusively male profession although there are a few interesting exceptions. Today, most denominations accept female Ribbis and some movements will even ordain openly gay and lesbian Ribbis. This is not the case in the Orthodox and some other conservative movements, however.
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 not uncommon, especially in cases where a non Jew wishes to marry a Jew. The requirements for conversion differ wildly between the various denominations but in most cases a conversion is finally approved by a rabbinical court. The convert must become conversant in Jewish law and incorporate Jewish customs and rituals in their daily lives. Converts to a specific movement are not always accepted by other movements within the Jewish faith.
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.
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