Definition:

In the Reform Movement, a Rabbi is a spiritual leader, a pastoral aid, someone who helps communities learn about and decide on their customs, someone who brings people to love Judaism and much more.

The title of Rabbi, which comes from the Hebrew root meaning “great”, is conferred on an individual who undergoes ordination, known as semichah – the laying of hands from another Rabbi – after an extended period of study and practical training. Many of the Rabbis in the UK were trained at the Leo Baeck College in Finchley. All Rabbis working in synagogues of the Movement for Reform Judaism are members of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis UK.

Originally, Rabbis were expounders of the law, fitting the laws in the Torah to contemporary society. It is only later, around the 19th century, when Rabbis also became preachers and teachers, as well as regular officiants at life-cycle ceremonies. Early Rabbis combined their study with a trade whereas from around the 14th century it was realised that the work of a modern Rabbi is so all-encompassing that this is rarely possible. From this time, Rabbis were viewed as the mara d’atra (“the local master”) and all scholars in the area are required to accept the rulings of the Rabbi. This is particularly relevant in the internet age in which many differing opinions are available. With this in mind, the words of the Mishnah (Avot 1:6) “get yourself a teacher” (i.e. not more than one) are most prescient.

Although not everyone may be suited for the Rabbinate, the Movement for Reform Judaism is proud to be inclusive and enjoys a wide variety of Rabbis across the United Kingdom. To find your local Rabbi, please contact us.

Sources:

• Encyclopaedia Judaica, Vol. 13, Keter Publishing House, 1972, 1445 - 1458

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