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.
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 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.
Traditionally, Ribbis concentrated on the interpretation of Jewish law and officiated only at important ceremonies. During the past few decades, however, they have been influenced to take on other roles within their congregations. Many of these changes have been inspired by the roles Christian pastors are expected to play. They play the role of counselor, preacher and teacher and many Ribbis play prominent roles in civic organizations.
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.
The Jewish culture is rich and ancient. Most of the rituals and practices of Jews are based upon the Jewish law, as spelled out in the Torah. Ribbis play a very important role in helping Jews to keep to the law and to resolve disputes.
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.
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 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.
Traditionally, Ribbis concentrated on the interpretation of Jewish law and officiated only at important ceremonies. During the past few decades, however, they have been influenced to take on other roles within their congregations. Many of these changes have been inspired by the roles Christian pastors are expected to play. They play the role of counselor, preacher and teacher and many Ribbis play prominent roles in civic organizations.
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.
The Jewish culture is rich and ancient. Most of the rituals and practices of Jews are based upon the Jewish law, as spelled out in the Torah. Ribbis play a very important role in helping Jews to keep to the law and to resolve disputes.
About the Author:
Feel free to browse around our official website to learn more about Florida rabbi Steven Westman. To get further information, click on the contact button of this page http://rabbistevenwestman.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment