Talmidi Library

Articles on Talmidaism Theology

Priests, Scribes & Elders

Introduction

The modern Talmidi community reflects the organisational structure of the ancient Israelite community. To ensure that no one person has a monopoly of power and influence, the functions of the community are overseen by a wide variety of people.

The Greater Responsibility to God of those called to become ministers

Only those who are descended from Aaron can be priests (you are born a priest, you don’t become one). However, ordinary Talmidis who feel a religious calling or vocation can become pastoral elders or teachers. A Talmidi who is not Jewish can be a prayer-leader, or assist an ordained minister.

However, if you wish to become a recognised minister (a zaqein [elder] or a sofeir [scribe]), you would have to go through the full process of conversion if you are not already Jewish, and be approved and ordained as a minister.

Being a minister or any kind of leader bears a greater responsibility than being an ordinary Talmidi; we are held to greater account by God, and so our outlook and behaviour is under greater scrutiny by God. A minister or prayer-leader cannot bring the holy reputation of God into disrepute by promoting religious hatred or violence, for example. This would also bring shame to the good and honourable name of Talmidaism.

The motive for becoming a minister would also need to be examined. A minister is called to serve God and their fellow human beings (as per Yeshua’s teachings on a leader being one who serves). However, if someone only wants to become a minister so that they can promote themselves or their personal views and beliefs, those are not deemed to be appropriate reasons for wanting to become a minister, because the Will of God is not at the centre of their service of faith. Lacking humility of spirit before God would also not be appropriate. Having a manipulative or gaslighting personality would also completely disqualify such a person. Being a holy community means, for a minister, not bringing the reputation of God or God’s sacred Message into disrepute. YHVH is our ultimate, Sovereign leader, under whom we all serve. 

Meshartim

The following are considered meshartim (ministering servants of God and the community, singular – meshareit). Only priests, ministering Nazirites, elders and scribes who serve a synagogue are ordained:

Priest (kohein)

Any male descendent of Aaron. In the modern Talmidi community, they act as pastors, counsellors, teach on the ritual matters of Torah, and perform the ritual functions of the community (such as giving the priestly blessing).

Ministering Nazirite (nazir meshareit)

Performs the functions of a priest in the absence of, or as well as, a priest. Anyone taking on the role of a Nazirite needs to be aware that, in the absence of a Temple (the only place where the Nazirite vow can be terminated), for the time being the Nazirite vow is for life. 

Levite (l’vi)

Any member of the tribe of Levi, male or female. In the modern synagogue they mostly form the choir, singing and playing the liturgical music. In very large synagogues, they could also serve as attendants, who will assist and guide the laity in the ritual of synagogue services.

Scribe (sofeir)

A Scribe is someone who is consulted on matters of Torah for their advice. They teach and preach on matters of Torah and biblical learning. Only a scribe who serves a synagogue is ordained.

Some people might have an aversion to this type of position, because of how the term is used disparagingly in the gospels. However, in ancient Judaism, all sects had scribes, not just the Pharisees. The gospels uses the term as if it were a separate sect, but even ancient Followers of the Way would have had their own scribes. Rather than saying, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees’, a more accurate phrase would be, ‘The Pharisees and their scribes’.

Sage (chakham)

A sage is a particularly learned and wise scribe, honoured for his or her wisdom and insight. A sage is only declared as such by their community; ‘sage’ is not a job that one chooses oneself.

Pastoral Elder (zaqein mera`eih)

This type of elder has pastoral oversight of a group of congregants, and is distinct from a lay elder (see below).

Shotrim

The following are shotrim (lay officials or officers of the community)

President of the Synagogue (rosh ha-knesset)

This is the chairman or woman of the synagogue board.

Lay Elder (zaqein)

Any lay member of a community who has charge of organising the day to day running of the synagogue, finances, social groups etc. They form the majority of the board of a synagogue.

Praecentor (chazzan)

Leads the singing in a synagogue

Healer (merappei)

A healer counsels the mind, and medically treats the mind, soul and body as one; uses scientific as well as traditional Israelite methods of healing (marpei shleimut). Priests, nazirites and pastoral elders can take on some of the roles of a healer in the absence of a healer.

Gatekeeper (sho`ar)

The one in charge of the building and grounds, opening and locking the doors and gates.

Synagogue Assistant (netin ha-knesset)

Anyone who helps in the synagogue, such as cleaners and janitors. Originally these were bonded servants in the Temple who helped the Levites.