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

"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 interchangeably with "Reb", and is used as a friendly title, similar to calling someone Sir.

Rav

"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. Also, in America, "the "Rav" refers to the late Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik of Yeshiva University; while in Israel, "the "Rav" refers to Rav Kook.

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

Rebbe

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.

hlit"a, Admo"r and Shy'

Some honorifics include "Shlit"a", "Admo"r" (Adoneninu Moreinu v'Rabbeinu) and "Shy"'.

'Shlit"a' as an acronym for "Sh'yikhye Lirot Yamim Tovim Arukim/Amen," “May he live a long and good life, Amen,” given to a revered rabbi or to someone's childs' Rebbe (teacher). Example: “Note that the Rebbe sh'lita has instructed and requested all of Bar Mitzvah age and older to regularly put on tefillin.”

"Admor" is an acronym for "Adonainu, Morainu, VeRabbeinu," a phrase meaning "Our Master, Our Teacher, and Our Rebbe." This is an honorific title given to scholarly leaders of a Jewish community. In writing, this title is placed before the name, as in "Admor of Pinsk" or “R' Ploni Almoni, Admor of Redomsk.”

For the dead

"Of blessed memory" is the most common honorific for the dead in Judaism. It can be used for anyone.

ee also

*Honorifics for the dead in Judaism