The goal of the Rabbinical School is to train future leaders of the Hebrew people to have deep learning in texts and tradition, an appreciation for the historical forces that have shaped our people, a mastery of the spiritual wisdom of our tradition, and a love for the Hebrew people. The rabbinate involves service as much as leadership, and the rabbi ordained by RCU will have developed the professional skills to serve with insight and compassion, with wisdom and understanding.
Each student may well be a passionate advocate for a particular position in Hebrew life, but will graduate from RCU with a deep understanding of Hebraism. Our program is designed to develop a model of Hebraism for the twenty-first century, educating leaders who will be able to serve multiple segments of the Hebrew people as we continue to search for meaning and turn to our Chief Rabbi and the Assembly of Rabbis for authentic guidance in spirituality.
Of the three pillars of the Hebrews – Torah, Avodah, and Gemilut Hasadim - (Torah, Worship, and Acts of Kindness) – a rabbi’s primary contribution comes from Torah learning. The rabbi is expected also to be able to lead prayer and ritual services for the Hebrew communities, and an orientation toward loving service of the community is central to the rabbi’s life. But the rabbi must in particular be able to access the depths of tradition, understand the issues of life in Hebrew terms, communicate them with clarity and heartfelt devotion, and help others empower themselves in connecting to God and the Hebrew people through Torah learning.
