Discussion: What is the Role of a Rabbi?
- Have a wrap-up discussion with your class using the following questions:
- How would you describe to someone who is not Jewish what a rabbi does? (You may want to write their descriptions on the chalk board, white board, or chart paper, or invite students to do so.)
- How, if at all, did the rabbis we studied today go beyond this definition? (or differ from it). Give examples of specific rabbis that support your argument.
- What types of roles did the rabbis we studied today play in the Civil Rights Movement?
- From what you read, what do you think were the experiences and values that most influenced these rabbis?
- Do you think it is appropriate for a rabbi to participate in political/social demonstrations as a clergyperson? (If students give conditional answers, or all pick one side, encourage students to explain when they think it is ok, and when they think it is not ok. Or you can encourage students to talk more generally now, and go into specifics with the subsequent questions.) What about participating as a more anonymous individual? What would the difference be? Why?
- On what current political/social issues would you want to see your rabbi take a stand? What type of involvement do you think would be most appropriate?
- On what current political/social issues would you not want to see your rabbi take a stand? Why not?
