Honorifics in Judaism

There are a number of honorifics in Judaism that vary depending on the status of and the relationship to the person to whom one is referring.

"Rabbi" which means a religious 'teacher' is commonly used in English to refer to any ordained Jewish scholar.

Literally, "Rabbi" means 'my master'. It is the same Hebrew word as "Rav", (see below) with the possessive suffix "i". Although it is technically a possessive form, it is used as a general title even for those who are not one's personal teacher, particularly for the Tannaim, and, in its English form, for any rabbi.

In Israel, among the Haredim, "Rabbi" can be used colloquially interchangeably with the Yiddish "Reb", and is used as a friendly title, similar to calling someone Sir.

"Rav" is the Hebrew word for "master," and is closely related to the Hebrew form which gives rise to the English "Rabbi." "Rav" can be used as a generic honorific for a teacher or a personal spiritual guide, similar to Rabbi.

In Modern Hebrew, Rav is used for all rabbis, equivalent to the English "Rabbi."

In the Orthodox non-Hebrew speaking world, "Rabbi" is often used as a lesser title, with more famous rabbis receiving the title "Rav".

When used alone, "the Rav" refers to the posek (Jewish legal decisor) whom the speaker usually consults.

In some communities, "Rav" is also used like "Reb". This is common in Judeo-Czech.

Rebbe may refer to the leader of a Hasidic Judaism movement, a person's main rosh yeshiva (a rabbi who is the academic head of a school) or mentor, or to an elementary school teacher as referred to by his/her students.

In many Hasidic groups the Rebbe gives spiritual guidance; but for questions of halakhah they ask a Rav. This Rav is sometimes referred to as the Rav of the Hasidic group. This position normally is occupied by the Av Beis Din or chief justice, of a Hasidic group. In some Hasidic groups, such as Belz and Satmar, the Rebbe and Rav are concurrent positions. In Hasidic groups with similar organizations, the Admo"r will be referred to by the interchangeable titles. In those groups where the positions are divided, they will not. For example, the Satmar Rav and the Satmar Rebbe are the same person. The Breslover Rebbe and the Breslover Rav are not.

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