1. PAPER 2 UNIT 1.2 SOURCES OF AUTHORITY
Role of the Rabbi and Bet Din and their importance and influence in Jewish life.

2. What is a Rabbi? Definition:
A Rabbi means ‘my master’ or ‘sir’ – It is a title given to the spiritual leader of a Jewish Community.
Role of the Rabbi
Originally, Rabbis had other professions but were people whom communities turned to for spiritual guidance or were consulted on an area of Jewish Law.

3. Role of the Rabbi today.
Officiates at significant parts of Jewish life e.g. weddings and funerals
Teaching Torah to members of their community.
Pastoral duties – visiting the sick, elderly, counselling
May sometimes lead prayers or read the weekly Sidra

4. Training to be a Rabbi
Usually, training to be a Rabbi follows years of Jewish study.
In order to received Semicha (to be ordained as Rabbi), students need to study and be examined thoroughly on their knowledge of Jewish law – particularly:
Shabbat and Festivals
Kashrut
Marriage and mourning

5. Why are Rabbis important in Judaism?
Rabbis are responsible for guiding Jews in their day to day service of G-d.
“If there is a problem that is too difficult for you… you shall go to the priest or the judge … you shall enqure and he will give you the ruling… you shall not deviate from it.” Devarim 17:8-11
Nowadays, without a Temple and Priestly Service, the judges are the main interpretors of Torah with G-d’s authority to make Halachic decisions. These judges are our Rabbis today

6. Why are Rabbis important in Judaism?
They play an active role in many areas of our Jewish life
Offers pastoral care
Officiating at major Jewish lifecycle events e.g. weddings and funerals
Therefore, the Rabbi lies at the very centre of a Jewish community.

7. Why are Rabbis important in Judaism?
They help us to fulfil the Mitzvah of Torah Study.
“And you shall teach it to your children” – Shema
As Rabbis spend many years studying to become a Rabbi, they are in a position