Since ancient times the Jewish nation has been ruled by a governments consisting of kings, prophets and the priesthood. These offices were created by God and all office bearers had to be experts in the Torah, the Jewish holy book that can be compared, in terms of its importance, with the Christian Bible. To this day Jewish office bearers, a Florida Rabbi, for instance, must become an expert in the Torah.
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.
In order to be ordained as a Ribbi it is necessary to complete five years of study. The curriculum is dominated by studies of the Jewish law and responsa. Most Ribbis hold the qualification of Yore yore, which means He Shall Teach. Advanced studies may lead to the qualification of Yadin yadin, translating as He Shall Judge. A very small percentage of Ribbis hold the latter qualification.
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 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.
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.
In order to be ordained as a Ribbi it is necessary to complete five years of study. The curriculum is dominated by studies of the Jewish law and responsa. Most Ribbis hold the qualification of Yore yore, which means He Shall Teach. Advanced studies may lead to the qualification of Yadin yadin, translating as He Shall Judge. A very small percentage of Ribbis hold the latter qualification.
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 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.
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.
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