How Does Someone Become a Rabbi?
Becoming a rabbi is not the same straightforward process as becoming a minister or a priest. Different sects of Judaism have different requirements to become a rabbi. However, it can be said that most rabbis have earned a college degree, and have participated in post-graduate rabbinical studies through a seminary. In some sects, a rabbi must also spend time in Israel prior to working for a congregation. Studying to become a rabbi does not mean one gets to be one in the practical sense. Usually a rabbi may begin work with either a tiny congregation, or as the assistant in a large congregation. This is because each Jewish community makes its own decision about who to hire. There is not a huge organization like the papacy deciding where to send one when one has become a rabbi. Instead, actually working as a rabbi means applying for jobs, much like one would apply for any other job. The field can be competitive, so significant study and skill increases one’s chances of finding work. The fi
Study jewish texts for a few years, master a certain area, and then another rabbi can confer his approval of the new persons status as a rabbi. It’s similar to getting a PhD. (Though I might add that while the above typifies let’s say 60% of all {orthodox at least} rabbis, the other 40% study even more. They keep studying for their whole lives. They would have the equivalent of like 10 PhDs.
