By Chloe Gib
A rabbi is a spiritual leader for the Jewish. The word, in Hebrew, means 'my teacher' or 'my master'. Unlike the Pope, there is no single leader of the entire global Jewish faith. However, individual denominations, such as the Hasidim or Chasidics, may have a single leader. Among the Hasidim, the word is 'rebbe'.
A rebbe, or a Jewish spiritual leader, has many responsibilities. There are pastoral duties, which include leading a congregation in prayers. Preaching duties are exemplified by delivering a sermon at a service in the synagogue. At a bar mitzvah ceremony or a wedding rabbi will officiate.
They may serve in an administrative capacity. A rabbinical court, known as a Beit Din, may be called to approve a conversion to Judaism. The role of rabbe was traditionally restricted to a man. However, more and more women are being ordained to the role. This is particularly the case in the Conservative, Reconstructionist and Reform sectors of the Jewish faith.
Some rabbis perform tasks outside the congregation. They write books, lead Jewish organizations or do work as a community activist. They often make themselves available to members of their congregations to offer spiritual guidance. They comfort the bereaved and visit the sick.
As well as being teachers, rabbis make decisions regarding religious law. Specifically, Jewish law, or halakhah. Rabbis do not have special authority to conduct services. Any Jew with a sufficient religious education may lead a religious service.
Prior to the destruction of the ancient Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, special rabbis, called Kohein, served as priests. In order to qualify as kohein, he would have to be a direct descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses. In fact, a scientific study published in 1997 showed that people who had identified themselves as kohein had common elements in the Y-chromosome, which indicated that they had a common ancestor. The role of the kohein diminished following the destruction of the Temple in approximately 70 AD. Kohein is the root of the Jewish surname, 'Cohen'.
The Tzaddik is another special variety of Florida rabbi. These are ultra righteous individuals who have special mystical or spiritual powers. The Gabbai is a volunteer from the lay sector. This is a much honored role and involves helping out with readings of the Torah. Another way they may help is by standing near a member of the congregation who is reading the Torah. The Gabbai will help by correcting their pronunciation or other type of mistake they may make while performing the reading. Another official, the Chazan, is also called a cantor. Skilled in music, his role is to lead a congregation in prayer, often in song.
A rebbe, or a Jewish spiritual leader, has many responsibilities. There are pastoral duties, which include leading a congregation in prayers. Preaching duties are exemplified by delivering a sermon at a service in the synagogue. At a bar mitzvah ceremony or a wedding rabbi will officiate.
They may serve in an administrative capacity. A rabbinical court, known as a Beit Din, may be called to approve a conversion to Judaism. The role of rabbe was traditionally restricted to a man. However, more and more women are being ordained to the role. This is particularly the case in the Conservative, Reconstructionist and Reform sectors of the Jewish faith.
Some rabbis perform tasks outside the congregation. They write books, lead Jewish organizations or do work as a community activist. They often make themselves available to members of their congregations to offer spiritual guidance. They comfort the bereaved and visit the sick.
As well as being teachers, rabbis make decisions regarding religious law. Specifically, Jewish law, or halakhah. Rabbis do not have special authority to conduct services. Any Jew with a sufficient religious education may lead a religious service.
Prior to the destruction of the ancient Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, special rabbis, called Kohein, served as priests. In order to qualify as kohein, he would have to be a direct descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses. In fact, a scientific study published in 1997 showed that people who had identified themselves as kohein had common elements in the Y-chromosome, which indicated that they had a common ancestor. The role of the kohein diminished following the destruction of the Temple in approximately 70 AD. Kohein is the root of the Jewish surname, 'Cohen'.
The Tzaddik is another special variety of Florida rabbi. These are ultra righteous individuals who have special mystical or spiritual powers. The Gabbai is a volunteer from the lay sector. This is a much honored role and involves helping out with readings of the Torah. Another way they may help is by standing near a member of the congregation who is reading the Torah. The Gabbai will help by correcting their pronunciation or other type of mistake they may make while performing the reading. Another official, the Chazan, is also called a cantor. Skilled in music, his role is to lead a congregation in prayer, often in song.
About the Author:
Rabbi Steven Westman is a local Florida rabbi. Contact him today for more information! (http://www.rabbistevenwestman.com)
