By the Power Vested in Me Symbolic Exemp
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Rabbis occupy a paradoxical position as both divine representatives and fallible humans - a tension that creates significant psychological strain in religious leadership. Through analysis of rabbinic experiences and theoretical frameworks spanning psychology and theology, Bloom investigates how rabbis function as symbolic exemplars of divine qualities and Jewish values, while grappling with the personal costs of this elevated status. The methodology combines experiential observation from rabbinic practice with theoretical analysis to reveal how symbolic exemplarhood empowers rabbis with the perceived ability to bless, heal, absolve guilt, and confer significance through ritual acts. However, these same powers often lead to isolation, constant public scrutiny, and profound identity conflicts. Traditional monotheistic "Either/Or" thinking compounds these challenges by demanding singular identity integration. A paradigmatic shift toward "Both/And" thinking offers a solution, enabling rabbis to simultaneously embrace their roles as divine symbolic exemplars and ordinary human beings. The findings indicate that seminaries, rabbinic organizations, and congregations must work together to support this dual identity model through targeted training and contextual understanding. Such an approach promises to sustain Jewish religious leadership by alleviating the psychological burden of exemplarhood while preserving its spiritual effectiveness.

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Published 1998
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Jack Bloom