Why Become a Rabbi Today?
Rabbi Stephen Slater, Chief Academic Officer and Dean of the Rabbinical School and Master of Jewish Studies Program
Here are some ways I personally answer this question:
It’s My Calling
This is not just my answer. According to Atra’s new study of over 2000 Rabbis nationwide, over 80% of rabbis in the field, and 86% of current rabbinical students identify their answer with the words “it is my calling.” Among the Jewish people, who famously disagree about almost everything, that is the closest thing you’ll get to a 100% answer on any survey question!
A Dream Deferred
For many students, becoming a rabbi is the fulfillment of a dream deferred. Mishlei, the Proverbs of the Israelite period, says that, ‘Hope deferred makes the soul sick/bitter. ’ (13:12a) After a lifetime of searching for the right place in the world, many rabbis discover that the fulfillment of their dream, is a ‘tree of life’ (13:12b).
To Satisfy Curiosity
Rabbis take serious learning journeys to satisfy their curiosity. Some rabbis are the ones who stay late at the library each evening learning as much as they can. And then, having learned much, they feel it is their duty to teach others. This is why I became a rabbi. I asked too many questions! 🙂
It’s a Spiritual Search
Many people who find themselves becoming rabbis are at their core, spiritual seekers; they are on a quest for truth – for deep, soul truth. They ask difficult questions of themselves. They’re not content with simple or apparently clever answers. They long to know God.
To Help Others
Many people choose to become a rabbi in order to help others. And because the rabbi is on the front lines of providing spiritual care, they are perfectly placed to provide healing and inspiration drawing upon the vast riches of Jewish wisdom.
To Teach Others
Each morning, in the blessing before the Shema, we ask God to give us the love and dedication “to listen, to learn and to teach.” Rabbis embrace the duty first to listen, and then to teach others. For some it comes from a deep recognition that they have been blessed with the capacity to learn Torah. And now there is a sense that one who has been blessed with much, is duty bound to share from that largess with others.
To Model Something Different
Rabbis believe it is their responsibility to create something new. In Ghandi’s memorable phrase, they want to “be the change [they] wish to see in the world.” Some would even say, ‘I have to be a rabbi, so that I can share what was never offered to me.’
To Respond to a Spiritual Crisis
Rabbis are driven primarily by the need to respond to the extraordinary spiritual and educational needs of our time. God knows, the world needs excellent rabbis now more than ever. Let’s call this type of motivation “the mission-driven” Rabbi.
To Translate Jewish Tradition into Wisdom
Rabbis possess the unique gift of taking ancient texts and translating them into contemporary wisdom. Many of my teachers, like Rabbi Arthur Green, and Rabbi Ebn Leader, are famously this kind of Rabbinic teacher. And AJRCA’s very own Rabbi Eli Schochet is a fabulous “translator” of ancient wisdom for our own day.
Because They Love Rabbis
This one brings a tear into my eyes because of the depth of feeling involved. Many of us knew a rabbi who changed everything for us. They put the pieces together in a unique and compelling way that we needed to hear. And learning from them changes everything. For me, Rabbi Richie Lewis is someone like this. He singlehandedly changed the course of my life. Perhaps you know a rabbi like this.
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