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Judaism: Sources of Wisdom and Authority

Rabbis and Semikhah

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 2

Overview

Recall questions on the meaning of rabbi, what semikhah is, whether a rabbi is a priest and the functions of a rabbi today.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started
Key term

Define semikhah.

Key term

Give four functions of a rabbi in a contemporary congregation.

Key term

Why does a rabbi's authority rest on learning rather than on office?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What does the word 'rabbi' mean?

    Model answer

    It means 'my teacher' or 'my master'.

  2. 2

    Define semikhah.

    Model answer

    The ordination that authorises a rabbi, granted after examination in Jewish law by an established authority.

  3. 3

    Is a rabbi a priest?

    Model answer

    No, the rabbi is a teacher and legal decisor, while the hereditary kohanim are a separate group retaining only limited ceremonial privileges.

  4. 4

    Give four functions of a rabbi in a contemporary congregation.

    Model answer

    Teaching and preaching, ruling on questions of Jewish law, conducting lifecycle ceremonies, and providing pastoral care.

  5. 5

    Define the term posek.

    Model answer

    A rabbi recognised as competent to decide questions of Jewish law.

  6. 6

    Must a rabbi lead the synagogue service?

    Model answer

    No, any competent adult may lead prayer, and in many congregations a chazzan or a lay member does so.

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