#85 – How to Become a Rabbi, Cantor, or Jewish Educator

#85 – How to Become a Rabbi, Cantor, or Jewish Educator

In this lesson, we explore leadership roles in American Synagogue life, the center of Jewish living and practice. Most synagogues have rabbis (spiritual leader), cantors (musical/prayer leaders) and Jewish Educators (teachers and school administrators). For most Jewish people, the rabbi, cantor, and Jewish educator have a significant influence in their lives.

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#1 KNOW THIS:  Useful Vocabulary

Rabbi is the Hebrew word for “teacher” also known as Rav. Cantor is a person who leads song in the synagogue and in Hebrew is referred to as Chazzan. Both are important spiritual leaders in the synagogue to help people grow in their Jewish lives.

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#2. HOW DOES SOMEBODY BECOME A RABBI OR CANTOR OR EDUCATOR?

Many people think that rabbi’s or cantor’s are born that way. Not exactly. Rabbis and Cantors go to school for many years (minimum of 5) often as part of their graduate studies (after undergrad). They will attend “seminaries” to study to be rabbis and cantors along with other people (often ages 25-40) in university like settings. In America, the three major seminaries include: Hebrew Union College, The Jewish Theological Seminary, and Yeshiva University.

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#3. WATCH. MEET DANA BENSON, RABBINCAL STUDENT

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#4 READ: MEET CANTOR AZI SCHWARTZ

 

 

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#5: WATCH : MEET JEWISH EDUCATOR, JESSIE GINDEA

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#6 RESPOND AND REACT

  1. What Jewish Leadership qualities do you think are needed by Rabbis? Cantors? Educators?
  2. What beliefs do you think are important for these Jewish leaders?
  3. Do you think you could be a rabbi, cantor, or educator?
  4. What is the most important question would you ask a rabbi, cantor or educator?

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Need some help?

We’re here for you. At any time, if you have any questions, please contact one of our teachers so we can help you.

Also, at the end of the session, remember to review your responses in your Tamid Workbook so you can get credit for this lesson. Behatzlacha (Hebrew for good luck)!

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