His early education was chiefly confined to the study of the national law and tradition; and through much self-denial and sacrifice on the part of his parents, who intended him for the rabbinate, he was able to have lessons from the best teachers and most learned Talmudist scholars of the day.
"Some Jewish Witnesses For Christ"
Rev. A. Bernstein, B.D.
The study of the Talmud fostered in them was regarded both as a religious duty and as a means to an end, the rabbinate.
"The Haskalah Movement in Russia"
Jacob S. Raisin
The many lawyers and physicians who were debarred from practicing their professions sought to become candidates for the rabbinate.
"The Haskalah Movement in Russia"
Jacob S. Raisin