Offices of Responsiblity

(Note: Not all of these are literally clerics, for example, the Maggid is more of a reader, and the Gabbai is an organizer and reader to put these in simple terms.)

Moreh ha’Tzaddik: The Moreh ha’Tzaddik is the Teacher of Righteousness. He is the earthly representative of the Divine Messenger and the senior-most cleric in the Assembly of the Mshikhanim and the Religion of Light in general. He serves as the High Priest and Chief Rabban. The current Tzaddik is Mar Chayim bar Ya’aqub ha’Tzaddik.

Mebeqqar: The Mebeqqar is the Bishop. He is the Rabban for the Assembly of Mshikhanim. As such he oversees all Mshikhani congregations on behalf of the Tzaddik, and is responsible for teaching and providing guidance for the entire Assembly. Currently, there are two serving in this office. Abba Charles and Brother Joseph are serving the Assembly as Mebeqqar.

Paqid: The Paqid is the Overseer for the various monastic orders of the Mshikhanim and he assists the Mebeqqar in various duties of overseeing the devotional and monastic life of the Mshikhanim. Brother Fernando serves as the Paqid.

Shaliach: A Shaliach is an apostle or emissary appointed by the Mebeqqar to serve as missionaries in order to establish new congregations of Mshikhanim. (There are no provisions at this time to appoint such individuals.)

Shamash: The Shamash is a deacon. He or she is appointed by the Mebeqqar to carry out the various sacraments of the local congregation such as Qurbana, weddings, baptisms, and funerals. The Shamash is not a priest.

Maggid: The Maggid is the Exhorting Minister who is appointed by the Mebeqqar to read the weekly Sabbath message to the congregation. This individual holds no priestly authority and may be male or female.

Zakan: A Zakan is an Elder. This is an experienced, spiritually mature individual who has been a member of the congregation for quite some time. He or she is looked to for guidance in various religious matters if a Shamash (Deacon) is not available.

Shafat: A Shafat is a judge who has been appointed by the Mebeqqar on the recommendation of a group of local congregations. There is usually a council consisting of more than one Shafat for the purpose of judging local cases involving marriage, divorce and other issues involving Mshikhani Halakha. (There are no provisions at this time to appoint such individuals.)

Gabbai: The Gabbai is a layperson who assists in organizing events (in cooperation with the Deacons and Elders) for the congregation. On Sabbath, they may also assist in reading the Torah portion for the week. On the Lord’s Day, they may assist in reading the Gospels and on World Teacher Day, they may assist in the reading from the Scriptures.