At the beginning of the last century, the smicha, the title of rabbi, was a piece of paper on which was written, in Torah-like font, the certification given by a rabbi to a candidate whom he knew personally, that, in his judgment, that person had the necessary knowledge to practice as such. At the end was the rabbi’s signature, the name of the city where he practiced, and the date, expressed in the parashah (the chapter of the Torah) corresponding to that day of the week and the current Jewish year. The «smicha» was handwritten, did not mention the name or seal of any academic institution, and the signer did not hold any title or official position.

Since then, obtaining the title of rabbi has evolved considerably. The same degree is now a beautiful diploma, printed on parchment paper, bearing the name of an academic institution, proof of having met the requirements for receiving the degree, and the names and signatures of the relevant authorities. But not only has the diploma changed, but also the way of preparing and the role a rabbi now plays in his community.

Milton Steinberg says: “Rabbis, first and foremost, are teachers of tradition.” Although they perform other functions today, they are, above all, teachers. In no sense are they priests, since any Jewish adult, with a certain minimum of knowledge and the correct spiritual attitude, can conduct the religious services dictated by Jewish tradition. But now rabbis, in addition to being teachers, are also pastors, preachers, administrators, and community leaders. Louis Jacobs says that until the 14th century, rabbis did not make a living from their profession. They were scholars in the study of Jewish law, and their role was to interpret it at the request of members of the community, without receiving any salary. For their services, they were only exempt from contributing financially to the community. Even in the Middle Ages, rabbis practiced other professions to support themselves, such as medicine or commerce. By the 16th century, the position of local rabbi had become a paid position within the community.

Today, the studies required to become a rabbi vary depending on the denomination. Ultra-Orthodox Jews primarily require the study and knowledge of Jewish law, especially the Talmud and codes such as the Shulchan Aruch. Modern Orthodox Jews, in addition to the above, study modern theology and philosophy. Conservative rabbis, in addition to studying what their Orthodox colleagues do, also study the Bible, Midrash, Kabbalah, the historical development of Judaism, Jewish ethics, Conservative Jewish responsa, classical and modern works of Jewish theology and philosophy, and everything related to leading a community. The program is at the graduate level, so a bachelor’s degree is required. Reform Judaism, on the other hand, focuses more on the pastoral aspect and primarily studies the historical development of Judaism, biblical criticism, and traditional rabbinic texts. To graduate, students practice as rabbinical interns in a congregation throughout their years of study. Previously, only men could be rabbis. Now, except for the ultra-Orthodox, women can also become rabbis in all other denominations. Historically, not only has Judaism evolved, but the path to becoming a rabbi has also evolved.

By Marcos Gojman

Bibliography: Milton Steinberg «Basic Judaism» and other sources.