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 term Ribbi or Rabban, as they are also called, derives from the Hebrew word that translates as Great One or My Master. This indicates the measure of respect that these religious leaders enjoy within their communities and congregations. They are revered as scholars and their interpretation of the Jewish law is seen as final and authoritative. They almost always play a prominent leadership role 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.
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 term Ribbi or Rabban, as they are also called, derives from the Hebrew word that translates as Great One or My Master. This indicates the measure of respect that these religious leaders enjoy within their communities and congregations. They are revered as scholars and their interpretation of the Jewish law is seen as final and authoritative. They almost always play a prominent leadership role 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.
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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