Although presently most functioning synagogue (i.e. "pulpit") rabbis hold "semikhah", this was until quite recently not always required, and in fact many Haredi rabbis may possibly not be required to hold a "formal" "semikhah" even though they may occupy important rabbinical and leadership positions. The reasons being that what is prized in the communities they serve and lead is most of all a supreme mastery of the Talmud with a vast knowledge of the commentaries of the Rishonim and Acharonim and Responsa, added to knowledge of the Shulchan Aruch and Halakha ("Jewish Law"). In the UK, a communal minister who does not have "semikhah" has the title "Reverend" rather than "rabbi".