Definition

1. Noun:
   • A Hebrew title of respect for a Jewish scholar or teacher: The word "rabbi" is used as an honorific title for a Jewish person who is learned in Jewish law and tradition, often functioning as a teacher.
   • The spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation; qualified to expound and apply Jewish law: A "rabbi" is an ordained religious leader in Judaism who guides a community, leads religious services, provides pastoral care, and interprets religious law.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The rabbi gave a sermon about kindness at the synagogue.
  • She studied for many years to become a rabbi.
  • We asked the rabbi for advice on interpreting the ancient text.

Advanced Usage

• "Rabbi" as a term of address: The title is often used directly before a person's name.
  • Rabbi Cohen will be visiting our community center next week.
• Historical usage: In ancient times, "rabbi" was a title for a master or teacher, most famously used for Jesus in the New Testament ("Rabbi, where are you staying?" – John 1:38).

Variants and Related Words

• Rabbinic (adj): Pertaining to rabbis, their writings, or their teachings.
  • The Talmud is a central text of Rabbinic Judaism.
• Rabbinate (n): The office, tenure, or profession of a rabbi.
  • He was elected to the rabbinate of the large urban synagogue.

Synonyms

• Jewish scholar
• Spiritual leader (in a Jewish context)
• Teacher (in a religious/Jewish context)

Related Phrases

• Chief Rabbi: The head rabbi of a region or country.
  • The Chief Rabbi issued a statement on the holiday observance.
• To be ordained as a rabbi: To officially become a rabbi through a ceremony.
  • After completing her studies, she was ordained as a rabbi.

Related Idioms

• No specific idioms are uniquely formed with the word "rabbi." The word is primarily used in its literal sense as a title and role.

Noun

1. a Hebrew title of respect for a Jewish scholar or teacher
2. spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation; qualified to expound and apply Jewish law