writer soul
“… that the way that things are is the way that it should be, that anyone who takes up a pulpit can achieve a title. …”
I’m not sure if that is one statement or two. Absolutly a pulpit leader should be called Rabbi even without a formal test
You ask “What does the title of rabbi mean to you?”
Depends on the situation, I’ll go through my examples:
For my kid’s elementary school Rebbe it is a sign of respect a kid should have towards his teacher. I don’t neeed to have the same level of respect (nor do I when my kid isn’t around) he isn’t my Rebbe, nor is he a talmid chacham nor has he received semicha. He absolutely should insist on the students calling him “Rabbi Stein” (I’m using a generic name) and I would do the same in front of my kids and even not in front of my kids as a sort of lo plug.
Kashrus mashgichim- it is important for the workers to look to him as a Rabbi and thus should use the title when they are around
Kiruv people and motivational speakers – it helps them gain prestige among the unlearned who they are trying to be mekarev or inspire. They are also a “Rebbe” to those they teach Torah to, so being called “Rabbi” by those they are mekarev/inspire is appropriate. Female speakers such as Rebbetzen Jungreis, Rebbetzen Fayge Twersky, Rebetzin Temima Mizrachi use similar titles. You said “But neither of those has the same cache that the title of rabbi has” Do you think that is merely a distinction based on title? However I have news for you most people view Rabbi xxxxxxx (insert your favorite non- talmid chacham non semicha bearing motivational speaker) as not much different than an equivalent Rebbetzin
Camp directors – This one I never really got, and as a kid too always struck me as strange. MAybe they are using it the way elementry school rebbeim use it. I’m not sure I’m willing to grant that that one is weird.
Rebyid
Lol I guess that’s how wrong the two sentences were