The South African Jewish ministry is better paid, and has a greater spiritual authority than the Jewish ministry in any other part of the Commonwealth. Chief Rabbi L.I. Rabinowitz declared in his presidential address at the S.A. Jewish Ministers’ Association Conference which has just concluded in Johannesburg. It was attended by delegates from all four provinces of the Union.
“The South African Jewish ministry is in an enviable position in at least two respects, the one material, the other spiritual, the Chief Rabbi said. “Materially I make bold to say that their salaries and emoluments compare favorable with those reigning in any part of the British Commonwealth, as well as with other salaries of other professional men and public servants.
“But what is infinitely more important and what we fail sufficiently to appreciate, is the inestimable boon of spiritual freedom which is afforded the minister. No attempt whatsoever is made by the lay leaders of the congregations to interfere with the religious side of the minister’s activity.
“This is a striking contrast to the deplorable position which obtains in the United States where the Board of Trustees, as the committee is often called, can pass a resolution providing that henceforth men and women shall sit together, or that an organ shall be installed, and the rabbi has either to suppress his religious conscience or pack up and go,” the Chief Rabbi stated.
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