While in some Hasidic groups the rebbe also fulfills the position of rabbinical leader, in other groups this position is separate.

In the strictly Orthodox view, only rabbinical leaders are qualified to issue rulings that affect Jewish life.

Similarly ill-advised is the film's effort to link Sonia's pent-up passions with those of the group's most esteemed rabbinical leader.

In the meantime, we felt the lack of a rabbinical leader in Aix-les-Bains.

"We tend to deal with homosexuals informally, admitting them but not proclaiming that we do," said one rabbinical leader who did not want to be identified.

But with some prominent exceptions, Conservative rabbinical leaders have not budged.

Shas politicians, as always, voted according to the instructions of their rabbinical leaders, Torah sages who apparently consulted the latest polls.

His opinion was sought and valued by rabbinical leaders and laymen alike.

For that reason, candidates from both major parties pay their respects to Cojo and its rabbinical leaders almost every election year.