Religious Functions
Rabbi
A rabbi has no more authority to perform rituals than any other adult male member of the Jewish community. A rabbi is simply a teacher, a person sufficiently educated in halakhah (Jewish law) and tradition to instruct the community and to answer questions and resolve disputes regarding halakhah. When a person has completed the necessary course of study, he is given a written document known as a semikhah, which confirms his authority to make such decisions.
Gabbai
A gabbai is a lay person who volunteers to perform various duties in connection with Torah readings at religious services. Serving as a gabbai is a great honor, and is bestowed on a person who is thoroughly versed in the Torah and the Torah readings.
A gabbai may do one or more of the following:
A gabbai may do one or more of the following:
- choose people who will receive an aliyah (the honor of reciting a blessing over the Torah reading)
- read from the Torah
- stand next to the person who is reading from the Torah, checking the reader's pronunciation and chanting and correcting any mistakes in the reading
Chazzan
A chazzan (cantor) is the person who leads the congregation in prayer. Any person with good moral character and thorough knowledge of the prayers and melodies can lead the prayer services, and in many synagogues, members of the community lead some or all parts of the prayer service.
Kohein
The kohanim are the descendants of Aaron (Older Brother of Moses), chosen by God to perform certain sacred work, particularly in connection with the animal sacrifices and the rituals related to the Temple back in Ancient Jerusalem.
Levi
The entire tribe of Levi was set aside to perform certain duties in connection with the Temple back in Ancient Jerusalem.
Rebbe
Rebbe is the term for the spiritual master and guide of a Chasidic community (A branch of Orthodox Jews). The term is sometimes translated as "Grand Rabbi," but it simply means "my rabbi." A rebbe is also considered to be a tzaddik. The position is usually hereditary. A rebbe has the final word over every decision in a Chasid's life.
Outside of the Chasidic community, the term "rebbe" is sometimes used simply to refer to ones own personal rabbi or any rabbi that a person has a close relationship with.
Outside of the Chasidic community, the term "rebbe" is sometimes used simply to refer to ones own personal rabbi or any rabbi that a person has a close relationship with.
Tzaddik
The word " tzaddik" literally means "righteous one." The term refers to a completely righteous individual, and generally indicates that the person has spiritual or mystical power.