Crazy Idea, or Is It?
Dec. 20th, 2007 09:23 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
wrenbLast week I was at the Union for Reform Judaism Biennial convention. I had a wonderful time attending workshops, concerts, a play, and praying a whole lot (and, a.n.ers, meeting Karen for dinner and photos). In addition to the ideas I've got for improving my committee work, I've come home with a crazy idea percolating in my brain.
Would I make a good rabbi? I have an undergraduate degree in psychology, which reflects my desire 10 years ago to counsel people with problems, not with serious mental illnesses. I have always been an institutional prayer kind of girl, ever since Sunday School at the age of 7. I'm a regular on the Torah reading schedule. I have a good voice, but very few technical musical skills, so I feel that being a cantor (a Jewish professional singer/musician) isn't available to me.
On the other hand I'm shy. And I can't go back to school for at least another 2 years. I'd like to spend some years at home with my hypothetical future kids. And this is an idea, not a burning passion.
But I've just spent 5 days surrounded by rabbis, cantors & Jewish professionals, and I felt a deep bond with them. I don't want to be a secretary my whole life. I want to lead prayer and help people through their troubles.
If I do this I need to learn Hebrew far better than I do right now. First year rabbinic students live in Jerusalem. And I can't speak Hebrew, only pronounce it. I wish I could take a class at the UW, but that's not in the budget right now. I do have a workbook that I never finished that I could go back to working through. I figure Hebrew and Torah study (Saturday mornings at my synagogue) are baby steps I can take.
Am I dreaming far beyond my abilities and talents?
Would I make a good rabbi? I have an undergraduate degree in psychology, which reflects my desire 10 years ago to counsel people with problems, not with serious mental illnesses. I have always been an institutional prayer kind of girl, ever since Sunday School at the age of 7. I'm a regular on the Torah reading schedule. I have a good voice, but very few technical musical skills, so I feel that being a cantor (a Jewish professional singer/musician) isn't available to me.
On the other hand I'm shy. And I can't go back to school for at least another 2 years. I'd like to spend some years at home with my hypothetical future kids. And this is an idea, not a burning passion.
But I've just spent 5 days surrounded by rabbis, cantors & Jewish professionals, and I felt a deep bond with them. I don't want to be a secretary my whole life. I want to lead prayer and help people through their troubles.
If I do this I need to learn Hebrew far better than I do right now. First year rabbinic students live in Jerusalem. And I can't speak Hebrew, only pronounce it. I wish I could take a class at the UW, but that's not in the budget right now. I do have a workbook that I never finished that I could go back to working through. I figure Hebrew and Torah study (Saturday mornings at my synagogue) are baby steps I can take.
Am I dreaming far beyond my abilities and talents?
no subject
Date: 2007-12-21 03:56 am (UTC)Don't sell your abilities and talents short.
Try to think about the "whole job". What parts of being a rabbi appeal? What parts make you nervous? Do you necessarily want to be a congregational rabbi, or would you be happier in a Hillel or in chaplaincy or the like? (Not suggesting, just asking.) How does your rabbi spend his day? His week? His year?
Yes, you'll need to get some Hebrew proficiency before you can apply. You can work on that while deciding whether you want to go down this path. You're unlikely to consider learning Hebrew to be wasted effort should you decide not to pursue the rabbinate, yes?
Leadership positions for lay people seems like a tough nut to crack in some congregations. (I have that same problem.) Good luck with that, and if you learn any tricks for expanding your opportunities, please share. :-)