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With more rabbis opting for a change of career, what does it take to stay in the pulpit?

A rabbi’s life is demanding – but never dull

July 29, 2024 08:59
Rabbi Romain says farewell
Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain bids farewell to Maidenhead Synagogue at party to mark his departure from the pulpit after 44 years

What has gone wrong? Until recently it has been assumed that the rabbinate is a life-long vocation: you start your career as a rabbi and end it as a rabbi. No longer.

There have been an increasing number of cases of rabbis, both in Orthodox and Progressive circles, who leave mid-career, either burnt-out or wanting new challenges.

Some migrate to roles in Jewish charities or education, while others enter the world of counselling. Congregational work has just been a staging post in their career portfolio.

There is no doubt that being a community rabbi is demanding. Pastoral needs — and what family does not have its problems? — can be overwhelming.