The Professional part
The professional (vocational) part of the rabbinic programme consists of, among other things:
- Halacha in practice: most important is the practical application of Jewish law, (halacha lema’aseh). This involves the development of the techniques of research, ethical and halachic insight, knowledge of halacha concerning modern problem areas (such as the field of medicine, bio-ethics, business ethics and ecology). The knowledge and practical experience needed to participate in the work of a Beth Din, such as kiddushin, gittin and giur is also a requirement.
- Liturgy and rabbinical tasks in practice: the ability to conduct and instruct in all rituals in the Jewish year and the Jewish life cycle in the synagogue and in the home, to be able to give a sermon, to speak in public, to have sufficient didactic knowledge to teach both children and adults; the ability to write both professional, popularising and opinion-forming articles and possibly also books, to be familiar with the use of computers, Internet and multi-media techniques.
- Pastoral work: a major area of the work of the contemporary rabbinate, which requires much attention, is covered by lessons such as pastoral psychology, interviewing techniques, leading discussions, understanding the significance of transitional periods in the life cycle and the associated counselling and support where these give rise to problems, as well as being able to recognize when referral to another professional or institute is necessary.
- Administrative and policy-making tasks: the work of the Beth Din and the Rabbinical Council, preparing and organising all sorts of activities within the community and other administrative tasks; the capacity to be able to work in a dynamic yet harmonious and inspiring way with the (congregational) board, committees and a host of voluntary workers. Courses in administration and congregational dynamics are important.
- Practical training (internships): In the course of their training students will have to gain experience through internships in the Liberal Jewish communities in the Netherlands and possibly also abroad. They will at first accompany a number of the practicing Dutch Rabbis and later, under the supervision of a mentoring Rabbi, carry out rabbinical tasks independently. The mentoring will continue during the first years after the students receives his or her semichah. In addition to this, they will learn about and experience in practice several sorts of other institutions with which a Rabbi can come to work.
- Personal development: each student will receive supervision and individual support by a professional supervisor for the way in which he or she adapts and integrates the material learnt into his or her own life and spiritual development. Room for a personal development plan for each individual student is important.
Some elements of the training will take the form of seminars, locally or abroad, covering several days. Study tours may include visits to World Union Conferences, the URJ Biennial, European and World Rabbinic meetings.
The student is required to spend one or more periods for study in Israel, unless he or she already has had a sufficient Israel experience. A thorough first-hand knowledge of the Liberal Jewish institutions and their work in Israel is also an absolute requirement; the first and partly the second student groups have fulfilled this requirement during an intensive 11-day study trip in September 2005 (see the Annual Report 2005-2006).