By Celso Cukierkorn
Not everybody will understand the meaning of the word Rabbi. The word was coined from the Hebrew language to mean teacher, teacher of Torah. Torah is a general idea in the Jewish culture that narrates the history of Jews. They are normally taken to be religious leaders in Judaism. A person cannot just become a Rabbi, there are certain requirements to be met to attain the status.T o attain this title, you have to practice the Jewish religion. But also, converts to Judaism from other religions are allowed once they complete the processes of conversion. The religion has a variety of branches, converts are required to familiarize with the practices of each branch before conversion. There are three different branches, Reform, Conservative and Orthodox.
Again, as a teacher, you will be required to instill knowledge to individuals. Then, excellent public speaking skills are necessary. To communicate clearly and effectively, good public speaking skills are required. Furthermore, dealing with the society also involves instances where we are required to solve conflicts, especially for religious leaders, and offer guidance. Therefore, great listening skills are a must.
Another item of importance is to decide the branch you feel to pursue or serve. There are three branches namely, Reform or Reconstructive, Orthodox and Conservative. Each branch has its own ways of praise and worship. Also, the lifestyles vary from one branch to another. Conservatives advocates for reforms but requires Jews to stick to the basic laws in the Jewish religion. Orthodox is the most ancient branch that does not ordain women, it also does not accept conservatism and calls for adherence to traditional ways of worship. Finally, the reform branch, born from the Jews in Europe and North America, seeks to adapt the whole ways of Judaism.
It is also important to have higher education. Normally, most Jewish seminaries will ask for a university degree. Education is a quality that will easily make a person to be successful leader. This is because people tend to have more confidence in people who are educated. Also, educated people always seem to be more insightful and knowledgeable as opposed to those who lack it.
A Rabbi is normally a religious leader. It is not a surprise that many people view it as a calling from God. Therefore, it is important to gain some life experience before joining. One can either be a teacher, doctor or any other line of professional. Such experience will enable you harness enough skills that will get you to know how to handle the masses. Again, that way, it is easier to understand the community.
The most important and inevitable stage is the seminary education. One must complete a four to seven year program in the seminary school. Here, the religion curriculum is taught, normally Jewish history and the language of Hebrew. In addition, theology, psychology and communication skills are taught. At the end of the seminary education, you are considered a graduate of Hebrew letters.
To complete the process, you will need a congregation. You may start small, you can start as an assistant or a Chaplain in a school or collage. A Rabbi is normally independent, he/she is not answer to bishops of cardinals but to the congregation that he/she serves. Therefore, once you become one, you will enjoy full autonomy, hence patience is important. And that is the process that makes one a Rabbi.
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