A rabbi (/ ˈræbaɪ / ⓘ; Hebrew: רַבִּי, romanized: rabbī, IPA: [ʁǝbːi]) is a Jewish preacher and religious leader in Judaism. [1][2] A person becomes a rabbi by being ordained by another rabbi — known as …

In order to understand what “rabbi” means today, let’s take a look at the history of rabbinic ordination, or semicha. Although the title itself is a more recent development, the ordination of spiritual leaders …

Feb 1, 2026 · Rabbi, in Judaism, a person qualified by academic studies of the Hebrew Bible and the Talmud to act as spiritual leader and religious teacher of a Jewish community or congregation.

While one generally must be a rabbi to sit on a beit din, a panel that adjudicates Jewish legal disputes and that is present at a conversion, rabbis are not strictly required at other Jewish events.

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.

Hebrew term used as a title for those who are distinguished for learning, who are the authoritative teachers of the Law, and who are the appointed spiritual heads of the community.

The term rabbi literally means “my teacher” or “my master”. For many centuries, individuals and communities have looked to the rabbi for teaching, role modeling and leadership.