Rabban Gamaliel said, “Provide thyself a teacher, and be quit of doubt”
(Aboth i. 16). The rule laid down in these words for every individual
applies also to the whole community. Questions like those mentioned in
the preceding note frequently arise in Jewish congregations, and cause
dissension where union is so much needed. A teacher must be appointed
in every community, who shall be able to guide and to instruct it as to
what is right and wrong. In fact, such a teacher has, as a rule, been
appointed in Jewish congregations; he is known by various names: Haham
(חכם), Rav (רב “Teacher”), Rabbi (רבי “My teacher”), Teacher of
righteousness (מורה צדק), and Judge (דין). The weight of his
authority is less to be determined by the nature of his office or by
written conditions than by his learning, piety, and personal influence.
According to the rule, “Judge not alone” (ibid. iv. 8), he is generally
assisted by two councillors (dayganim), with whom he forms a court of
judgment—Beth-din—when questions of more than ordinary importance have
to be decided. The congregation must accept his decisions as final, and
must have confidence that he, like the high-priest of old, will give
his answers according to “light and integrity.”