Celebrating Years of the Rabbinical
Couldn't load pickup availability
Conservative rabbis have radically redefined their leadership roles over the past century, moving from traditional authority figures to collaborative spiritual guides and educational partners. Through personal narratives collected from Rabbinical Assembly members ordained between 1938 and 1998, distinct patterns emerge in how these religious leaders understand their mission and professional identity. The testimonies reveal recurring tensions between administrative obligations and teaching duties, while highlighting the growing importance of pastoral care and community healing work. As rabbis navigate competing demands between congregational responsibilities and scholarly pursuits, many identify education - both formal and informal - as their core purpose, while others emphasize spiritual guidance and community building. Modern Conservative rabbis increasingly describe themselves as "co-travelers" rather than hierarchical leaders, pointing to a broader shift toward more collaborative religious leadership models. The collected narratives demonstrate that contemporary rabbis embrace multiple roles as teachers, counselors, administrators, and spiritual guides. Yet amid this diversity of approaches, a unified mission persists: bringing Jews closer to God, Torah, and meaningful Jewish life while adapting ancient wisdom to address modern challenges.

More Information
-
Physical Description
-
Publication Information
Published
ISBN
-
Publication Credits