Rabbi Bukiet answered

On 9/12/99
Yirakhmiel from Phoenix asked:
"To Whom It May Concern, I have been told that orthodoxy believes Jewish law can changed, as long as it doesn't contradict what a previous generation has ruled. However, I have talked with Conservative Rabbis, and they say that Jewish law has constantly changed. And that, orthodoxy has changed over the years and has contradicted a previous generations rulings, even the Talmud. For example, in Megillah 23a it says that women can be called to the Torah, and obviously women can not be called to the Torah. Is this not a clear contradiction? Also, I have been told there are many others like it. How can this be? And can it follow the beliefs of orthodoxy? B'shalom, Yirakhmiel"

Rabbi Roller answered:
"How does one define the difference between the Orthodox and the Conservative? I think one area that separates them is their attitude towards modernity. I think it's important that we contrast Modern Orthodox Judaism with Right wing [better known as Charedi Orthodox]. Conservative and Traditional Judaism actually have more in common with Modern Orthodoxy than most people realize.

Right-wing Orthodox Judaism tends to see modernity in threatening terms and as a reaction to modernity, Right-wing Orthodoxy has created an impressive Jewish ghetto here in America; it is a dynamic movement and seeks converts towards its way of thinking.

To its credit, it has produced an outstanding selection of books on Judaism that
Reflects the values of our faith and tradition. In Israel, Orthodoxy functions
Much like it did in pre-Emancipation era of Jewish history. Its hierarchical
Power structure reflects the same hierarchical world it inherited. It does not
Believe in accommodation societal norms and behaviors, but quite to the contrary -- it seeks to structure the society according to its norms.

Another area where they differ pertains to the nature of Halacha and its
Historical development. Ultra Orthodoxy does not perceive its tradition as part
Of an evolutionary process, every aspect of Halacha they maintain, down to the
Most simple minutia was dictated word for word to Moses at Sinai. In contrast,
Traditional Judaism does not conceive of Divine revelation as a matter of
Divine dictation, revelation is much grander than that. Once when Adin
Steinzaltz, a man who has single-handedly translated most of the Babylonian
Talmud into Modern Hebrew once used the word "evolution" in a chapter he wrote about the development of the Talmud. Rabbi Shach, regarded by many Charedim as the Gadol Hador " The Number One Torah Leader of our generation, issued a rabbinical decree calling upon all his followers to get rid of and even bury Rav Steinzalt'z work! Bar Ilan University, which is Modern Orthodoxy's premiere institution has no problem integrating Orthodoxy with the insights of modern critical Biblical and Judaic scholarship.

In contrast, Right-wing Orthodoxy has little interest in archeological
Developments as they impact our modern understanding of the Bible. If
Something is true; it is because it is in the Torah. If something is not true,
Its because it isn't in the Torah. Tradition and tradition alone is
Authoritative. Every Tanna of the Talmud, every Amora, every scintilla of
Halachic reasoning they believe, is consistent despite the fact there are
Incongruities or seeming inconstancies elsewhere in the Talmudic tradition.

Implied here is a sense of infallibility, the great rabbis of the Talmud, the
Codes and modern Talmudic/Halachic are seen as incapable of making an error. The right-wing Orthodox aim not so much as a clarification of the truth; it has an entirely different agenda -- to venerate the rabbis of the Talmudic and
Post-Talmudic traditions. The mere thought that a great Rabbi (regardless of who
He may be) making a mistake (though other rabbis of equal stature have
Frequently said exactly that throughout Jewish history) is inconceivable, and
One who would espouse such a viewpoint would most definitely be accused of
Heresy!

I think the conservatism that has invaded Orthodoxy today is potentially harmful in that it stresses a philosophy of separatism, as well promotes an attitude of self-righteousness which will only serve to polarize the Jewish community. Within the Orthodox world, there is a battle raging between the Modern Orthodox and the Yeshiva brand of Orthodoxy -- each is vying for the collective soul of Orthodoxy. Unfortunately, Modern Orthodoxy is losing the battle.

The simple fact is, the subjective element also plays a critical role in the
Formulation of the Halacha. The Rav must always take into consideration the
Person as well as the circumstances he is dealing with. This process is visible
In the vast majority of cases. Our Sages teach us: The Torah speaks in the
Language of humankind" i.e., justs as language changes from generation to
Generation so too does the Halacha change with the emerging new social
Conditions. Had this not been so, Judaism would have vanished in the past.

Conservative and Traditional Judaism does not adhere to an implied
Infallibility. These movements are willing to reexamine the sacred Texts and
Reapply its teachings for today's times. The men who transmitted Jewish
Tradition was human beings much like us. These two movements are willing to consider the role of minority opinions in reformatting a practical Halacha that is accommodating to the new changes brought on by modernity. Because it views Halacha as part of an organic process, Traditional and Conservative Judaism [and let's not forget Modern Orthodoxy] allows for change and evolution. Thus for an example, when the Temple stood, the laws of ritual purity played an important role in the everyday life of the people. Were we to go back to the past, even the most Orthodox Jew might feel out of place with the social realities of the past. Innovation need not be the enemy of tradition, as the great Hungarian Rabbi Moshe Sofer (also known as the Hatam Sofer) believed it was.

Jewish history indicates the exact opposite! For an example: After the Temple
Was destroyed, Judaism had to radically rethink its purpose and mission. Could
They exist without a Temple, without ritual sacrifices? It did survive, but only
Because it had the vision to redefine its own spiritual identity. In the Middle
Ages up to almost modern times, the world practiced slavery. Though the Halacha provided practical guidelines for how the slave was to be treated, it still held on to the archaic belief that a gentile slave should remain a slave forever.
During the Civil War, American Orthodox Judaism found itself in a quandary: it
Had to either affirm or endorse benevolent form slavery taught by tradition
And confirmed in all the Jewish legal codes or it had to in effect, break with
Tradition and affirm the slave's right to be a free human being. How could it?
Make such a break? Because there were minority views that did not believe that
It was a Mitzvah to keep slaves for perpetuity.

The great Responsa literature in the last 100 years has demonstrated Judaism's
Remarkable ability to be flexible and even liberal in its attitude concerning
Issues such as conversion, gender issues, medical ethics and technology. I have
Found that when arguing with my right-wing Orthodox colleagues, most of them are very stodgy and "Reactionary" in their thinking. Progressive Modern Orthodox thinkers such as David Hartman, Eliezer Berkowitz, Emanuel Rackman and others, have all shown that the Halacha need not be an antiquated worldview that people regard with utter contempt. The latest debate over women's prayer groups is only the tip of the iceberg. There will be a time when women will be ordained as Rabbis, even now as I write, there is an Orthodox Rav in Israel who will soon be giving his Simicha [rabbinical ordination] to a woman!

In summary: As a process, the Halacha needs to be responsive to the realities of
The present. How does it do it? By rereading the ancient Talmudic passages and
Codes in search of alternative Halachic views that reflect a different social
Worldview. Man is a temporary being and concept of truth is also temporary.
For this reason, the Halacha will by its very nature sometimes be in accordance
with Hillel and in the future it will be in accordance with Shammai. Why?
Because human truth is not the same as Divine Truth, and must be capable of
Growing, responding
"

On 9/12/99
Ken from Indianapolis asked:
"What is the meaning of Debarim 22:5 I was told this means a woman cannot wear pants. Shalom!"

Rabbi Roller answered:
"Yes this is the line that means exactly that. This is why the modern orthox who will allow women to wear pants will only allow pants that are tailored totally differently from mens clothing."

On 9/11/99
Milton from Windsor, SC asked:
"What is the source of the term "Jew"? Since the people were known as Hebrew, and the religion is Hebrew. Just curious. Thank you. "

Rabbi Ben-Meir answered:
"A Jew, in essence, is someone descended from the tribe of Judah, which was the largest tribe . Since we have no way to know who comes from what tribes (except for the Levites, of course) the term "Jew" came to mean anyone descended from the Hebrew people."

On 9/10/99
Ali from Davis asked:
"Happy New Year, Rosh Hashanah. I wish you a joyous holiday. I am a non-Jewish person, but three-quarter of my background is Semitic. Actually my ancestors converted to Islam. Since I was a teenager in Middle East I was very interested to learn more about my Israelite ancestors, yet it wasnt really possible because of social and political issues in my birth country after 1979 revolution. For years since I moved to the US, I was interested to get more attached to my Jewish heritage by learning more, but I never had the courage until this web site started. Could you please tell how and where I can get more information regarding Jewish culture and history? In other word, what sources do you recommend I should look for? Do you think it would be wise if I contact with Jewish community in my town? Thank very much for your time. Sincerely, Ali Aaron Kani "

Rabbi Roller answered:
"See the books listed in the Rabbi's study (part of this site). I would begin by reading to learn and to understand better before you make contact. Best of luck."

On 9/10/99
Zina from Cleveland asked:
"We recently replaced a Mezzuzot. The old script is no longer good. What should I do with the old Mezzuzot? Can I still keep it inside the house? How do I dispose it? Thank you. Zina "

Rabbi Roller answered:
"Tradition says to bury it out of respect as with a holy script, prayer book ,bibile or torah.Hope this helps"

On 9/9/99
Darryl Boyd from San Diego asked:
"Dear Rabbi, What beliefs must I have to conplete a successful Modern Orthodox conversion? I believe in the thirteen principals of faith, and the complete divinity of the Torah/Tananch. I also would love to celebrate all Jewish holidays as outlined in the Hebrew Scriptures. I would also love to celebrate Channaka, Isreal Independance Day, and Memorial Day for the Holocaust servivors. I am very sincere in my quest for conversion. Your response to my questions will be appreciated. Sincerly, Darryl Boyd "

Rabbi Roller answered:
"There are basically four steps that are involved in becoming a Jew-by-choice:
1) Study for a year--many communities pool their resources together and have a conversion "institute" in which all the local rabbis teach. Or maybe an individual rabbi will spend this year studying with candidate one on one. It depends on the community and circumstances. The candidate must become familiar with a little bit of all aspects of Jewish life--prayers, holidays, Kashrut, history, a bit of Hebrew, etc.
2) Acceptance by a Beit Din (rabbinic court)--once the candidate has learned enough and is sponsored by a rabbi, he/she appears before a Beit Din (comprised of three or more rabbis) who will gently and encouragingly question the candidate about their knowledge and commitment.
3) Once accepted, a male must undergo Brit Milah (ritual circumcision). If he was already circumcised as a child, a symbolic drop of blood is drawn from the man's penis in a ceremony called "Hatafat Dam Brit"--drawing the blood of the covenant. (See Genesis chapter 17 for the history of the Brit). Obviously, a woman doesn't undergo these rituals.
4) Once all of this has been completed, the final act in conversion is undergoing ritual immersion in a natural body of water or a Mikveh. This final act of Jewish baptism (Christianity got it from us!) completes the act. Two witnesses (women for a woman and males for a male witness the immersion) and when they emerge, they are Jews!
An excellent book to read about conversion is called "Your People, My People" by Lena Romanoff.
Also, try visiting a web site called the Conversion to Judaism Home Page at
http://members.tripod.com/~epst
This is an excellent source of information.

"

On 9/9/99
DArren from Toronto asked:
"Hello, I am planning a wedding in Maui any information in regards to Rabbi's available in Maui would be helpfull. Regards Darren Levant"

Rabbi Roller answered:
"I dont know off-hand- but there is a reform congregation in Honolulu which might be a place to start."

On 9/8/99
Suzanne Plazzer from Melbourne asked:
"What is the duties and resposibilities of a rabbi? Does a rabbi have any part to play in the decision making of the jewish religion? What personal qualities does one need to become a rabbi? What education and training does one need to become a rabbi? Is the role of a rabbi changing? What direction do you think the role of the rabbi might take in the future? What are the salary and benefits of becoming a rabbi?"

Rabbi Roller answered:
"A rabbi is a Jewish man or woman who has gone through special post-graduate training that prepares him or her to serve the Jewish community. While most rabbis serve synagogues (congregations) today many rabbis also serve as chaplains in hospitals, as Jewish educators in Religious Schools, as academic specialists in colleges and universities, as youth workers in colleges and synagogues. Many rabbis also work in Jewish organizations of different types.
Rabbinical training programs usually run for 5-6 years. The student must master Modern Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic, a sister language of Hebrew. One must learn all about the laws that govern Jewish life, about the liturgy used in all the different services in a synagogue, about Jewish music, history and culture. In addition, one must learn how to work in a synagogue with people (the congregants) who are not rabbis.
A rabbi who works in a congregation is responsible for his or her congregation's spiritual and religious life. The rabbi plans all the religious services and runs most of them, teaches adults and children, officiates at baby namings, weddings, bar/bat mitzvah services and funerals. The rabbi also offers crisis couand spiritual counseling for both congregants and Jews who live in the local community.
Rabbis work with local clergy of other faiths on important social issues - for example, community feeding programs. They may also lecture at community organizations - a local library, for example, and serve on local and municipal task forces that have the objective of improving the community - drug awareness, domestic violence etc.
I hope that this gives you a little idea of the job of the rabbi. Being a rabbi is a very demanding calling, but it is also very satisfying.


A: First and foremost, the rabbi is a teacher. That is, a teacher (and student) of Torah knowledge, values, ethics, & Jewish Law. That teaching can be done through classes, sermon, counseling, or just living by example.

Secondly, the rabbi is a community leader. Rabbis are often called upon to organize for the welfare of the community (including charitable work, providing for community institutions).

Thirdly, rabbis are called upon to officiate at specific functions (such as religious services, weddings, divorces, and funerals).

Rabbis are often managers, helping to supervise or manage their congregations or organizations in which they serve.

Rabbis spend a good portion of time in providing for the emotional needs of congregants and community members. This can include personal counseling, visiting the ill, comforting mourners.

These are just a few of the roles which rabbis play. There are certainly many others, depending on the needs of the community and the skills and interest of the rabbi. For example, some of us choose to serve as on line rabbis.... LOL

Salaries vary widely, but the rabbi of a large urban or suburban synagogue has the responsibility of the CEO of a significant company, or a superintendent of schools. If you want to know the range, you might contact the office of the movement with which you are affiliated.
Benefits include pension, medical and life insurance, etc. If a house is provided, that is usually for the benefit of the Congregation rather than the rabbi (they may pay him less) - since rabbis like most other people find home ownership to be an economic plus. The IRS allows clergy to designate a portion of their salary as parsonage allowance, and not pay income tax on it, but it is subject to Social Security/self-employment tax. On the other hand, most rabbis are, by Federal regulation, self-employed contractors, which means that they pay about 15% self-employment tax as opposed to the 7.5% FICA that most people pay.
Finally, no, the rabbi's salary is not public knowledge. Only an executive committee or a compensation committee or a pulpit committee usually knows it.