Eleventh International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

Rabbis and their families are frequently put on pedestals and held to a higher standard of religious, moral, and ethical practice. Many regularly complain that these standards are unclear and as a result have a negative impact on their families’ lives. Rabbis are expected to be available 24/7, when on a “day off” and when on vacation even in distant locations far away from home. Though many see the rabbinate as a calling, they readily report to their colleagues that this calling has significant negative impact on family-life. Though there have been a number of studies on the impact of congregational life on ministers and their families, there is a dearth of studies of the impact of congregational life on rabbinic families. This paper hopes to be a first in a series of studies that will address this need. The “Rabbinic Life Survey”, a questionnaire based on the Ministry Life Survey, was sent to rabbis of all denominations of Jewish affiliation. Nearly 100 rabbis responded in fewer than two days. Though results at this time are tentative and preliminary, it is clear that what rabbis report to be anecdotally true is borne out statistically. They do, indeed, see the rabbinate as a calling. Very few would consider any other life course and they report general life satisfaction. For some it has impacted upon their belief in God as well.