"Rabbi" is not an occupation found in the Hebrew Bible, and ancient generations did not apply related titles such as rabban, rabbi, or rav for either the Babylonian sages or the s

In order to understand what “rabbi” means today, let’s take a look at the history of rabbinic ordination, or semicha. Although the title itself is a more recent development, the ordination of spiritual leaders …

Dec 29, 2025 · Rabbi, in Judaism, a person qualified by academic studies of the Hebrew Bible and the Talmud to act as spiritual leader and religious teacher of a Jewish community or congregation.

A rabbi is simply a teacher, a person sufficiently educated in halakhah (Jewish law) and tradition to instruct the community and to answer questions and resolve disputes regarding halakhah.

While one generally must be a rabbi to sit on a beit din, a panel that adjudicates Jewish legal disputes and that is present at a conversion, rabbis are not strictly required at other Jewish events.

Aug 25, 2024 · A rabbi is a Jewish scholar, and an expert in one, or even many, areas of Jewish wisdom and thought.

The term rabbi literally means “my teacher” or “my master”. For many centuries, individuals and communities have looked to the rabbi for teaching, role modeling and leadership.