A rabbi is a spiritual leader or religious teacher in Judaism. The word "rabbi" means "my teacher" or "my master" in Hebrew. A person becomes a rabbi by being ordained by another rabbi, following a course of study of Jewish history and texts such as the Talmud. The basic form of the rabbi developed in the Pharisaic and Talmudic eras, when learned teachers assembled to codify Judaisms written and oral laws. The primary qualification for the title of rabbi was sufficient knowledge of Jewish law and tradition. Today, the rabbinic portfolio is wider and contemporary rabbis perform a vast range of activities under the aegis of their rabbinate, including social justice activism, education, Jewish outreach, and chaplaincy. A rabbi also preaches on occasion and counsels and consoles as needs arise. A rabbi has responsibility for the total religious education of the young, but the extent of the rabbi’s participation, beyond the realm of general supervision, is dictated by local circumstances. Modern rabbis are likewise involved in social and philanthropic works and are expected to lend support to any project sponsored by their congregations. A rabbi has no actual power under Jewish law.