RCV launches mentorship programme for young Rabbis
The programme emerged from recognising the complementary strengths within their community.
The Rabbinical Council of Victoria (RCV) has launched a formal mentorship programme pairing experienced rabbis with those new to the profession, creating structured support for clergy navigating the complexities of modern rabbinic life.
The initiative, which pairs established rabbis with those early in their careers, aims to provide guidance beyond traditional rabbinic training as young rabbis face the multifaceted demands of contemporary communal leadership.
Rabbi Yaakov Glasman, Co-Vice President of the RCV, is currently mentoring Rabbi Avi Bart, the 30-year-old assistant rabbi of Blake Street Hebrew Congregation in Caulfield South.
“Avi has accompanied me to many a wedding to learn the ropes of officiating at chuppas and has met or talked with me regularly over the past few weeks since we were paired,” Rabbi Glasman said.
He explained that while the concept of rabbinic apprenticeship has ancient roots, its application has evolved significantly.
“The concept of ‘Shimush’, or Rabbinic apprenticeship, is as old as Judaism itself but it’s taken on new meaning in the modern era. Rabbis today are no longer simply giving sermons and answering Halachic questions – pastoral care and community engagement have become central to the role of a rabbi.”
Rabbi Bart, who uniquely balances his rabbinic duties with training as a paediatrician, values the structured guidance the programme provides.
“Rabbis are expected to have a really wide scope of expertise,” Rabbi Bart explained.
“You’re meant to be able to do public speaking skills and pastoral care skills, managerial skills, organisational management, leadership skills, and then also balance all of that with your family.”
He particularly appreciates advice on maintaining work-life balance, noting that Rabbi Glasman encouraged him to “prioritise my personal life, and in particular my family.”
RCV President Rabbi Moshe Kahn said the programme emerged from recognising the complementary strengths within their community.
“The idea for the Rabbinic Mentorship Programme came from a simple yet powerful truth: within our Rabbinic community, we are blessed with both passionate new Rabbis and wise, experienced mentors — and we all have what to learn and what to share.”
Initially involving several young rabbis in new communal roles, the RCV hopes the programme will expand as its benefits become apparent.
Rabbi Glasman, who benefited from mentorship when beginning his own career two decades ago, said, “It’s now come full circle and it’s been a privilege for me to have mentored numerous younger rabbis in recent years,” he said.