Career: Rabbis
Jewish religious services differ radically depending on the denomination, or subgroup.
In Orthodox synagogues, for example, men and women sit in separate sections, heads covered. They chant the same Hebrew prayers that Jews chanted more than two thousand years ago. In Reform services, everyone sits together, most heads are bare, and most of the service is in English.
Whatever the denomination, there's usually a rabbi present, guiding members in worship.
Rabbis are clergy (religious leaders) who have been ordained (officially appointed) by the Jewish denomination to which they belong.
“I get to be with people at some of the most intense moments of their lives. To help shape those moments for them is an incredible privilege.”
Michael, Associate Rabbi
Are You Ready To...?
- Lead worship services
- Conduct weddings and other special ceremonies
- Help others understand sacred texts
- Counsel congregation members
- Run the synagogue along with staff and volunteers
- Work on civic projects with other community leaders
It Helps to Be...
Someone who enjoys interacting with people of all ages. Compassion, great social skills, and a deep religious faith will help make your work a labor of love.
Make High School Count
- Ask a rabbi for advice and information about your career choices.
- Volunteer at a synagogue or another community organization.
- Sign up for classes in psychology and family and consumer sciences to develop your counseling skills.
- Take speech and participate in debate to get used to public speaking.
- Make the most of English and history to build solid writing skills and learn about the role of religion around the world and through the ages.
- Study Hebrew and religion at a synagogue or Jewish organization.
- Take a religion class if it's offered.
Did You Know?
- Judaism doesn't have a formal chain of command. That means rabbis are freer to express their spiritual views than religious leaders in many other faiths.
Outlook
Government economists expect job growth for clergy to be as fast as the average for all careers through 2014.
Compensation
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the average earnings of clergy in 2006 to be $43,060.
Rabbis are often paid by the communities they serve, and rich communities can pay a lot more than poor ones. In addition to their annual salary, rabbis may receive benefits such as housing, health insurance, and a retirement plan. Rabbis often add to their income with fees received for leading weddings and other ceremonies.
