Jan 7, 2015

Rabbis will be required to be certified in laws of interpersonal relationships

A rabbi's job is far more than answering halachic questions - is this allowed or prohibited? can I do this or that? - a rabbi's job is often made up of halachic questions such as the above, but also counseling, psychology, social work, finances, medicine, relationships, and more.

Some rabbinical-training programs spend time training the potential rabbis in other areas they will likely need at least some familiarity with, while others do not.

The Chief Rabbi, Rav Dovid Lau, has come to a decision that rabbinical ordination exams will no longer be simply the questions on the topic that was studied for smicha. From now one the Rabbanut smicha exams will also all include a section on the laws of derech eretz", or "bein adam l'chaveiro - the laws of interaction between people", good character traits and treating others with respect..
source: Srugim

I think most of the time most rabbis are pretty good in these things. Many get trained, some take courses along the way to improve in other areas necessary for dealing with the various issues, and they participate in conventions and forums... but sometimes, some just don't get it. I like this idea. Not just to make sure they know the halachot, but also to remind them that becoming rabbis is more than just yes or no, detailed halachic questions and whatnot - they become the face of Judaism to many people.




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2 comments:

  1. Then shouldn't Yeshivot have "graduation" requirements in these areas?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Exactly. Derech Eretz is a very important subject which should be taught in every Yeshiva, as derech eretz kodma l'Torah.

    ReplyDelete