ABSTRACT
In modern rabbinical seminaries, regardless of denomination, homiletics is an important subject in the curriculum. For the modern rabbi, preaching is an important part, perhaps the most important part, of rabbinic activity. Many scholars follow the opinion of Louis Jacobs, who wrote: That sermons were delivered in the synagogue, especially on Sabbaths and the festivals, from early Rabbinic times, is attested in numerous Midrashim. The editors of the Encyclopedia Britannica suggest that: in a broad sense, the prophets were the first to preach to the Jewish people, they had no official status as interpreters of the Law, nor did they address their words to a formal congregation. While there is no central reservoir of sermons, individual rabbis and rabbinic organizations themselves are still interested in having this material present in the public arena. Sermon books continue to be written and shared among the masses.
