Conservative Judaism/Decisor

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Expert: - 5/19/2005


Question
Hi
This is question from an confused Anglican.
What is a Rabbinic Decisor?
Is he like a mediator ? or a judge ? some one you go to if 2 sides can not agree ? Is he like the priest in Anglican church ?

Thanks
Stephen

Answer
Dear Steve,

Thanks for writing.

A "Decisor" is the English translation for a Hebrew word "Posek" derived from the word for a verse, "pasuk."

It is the Rabbi who decides what the proper interpretation of the verses form Bible and the subsequent Jewish law codes should be - for their congregant or whoever relies upon their opinion. There is no "best out of three" approach.

A Rabbi respected in law could conceivably be asked to mediate or arbitrate, where both parties would accept the decision.

Best wishes

Rabbi Dov

Conservative Judaism

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Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner

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Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history, philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.

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I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)

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