JTF.ORG Forum

Torah and Jewish Idea => Torah and Jewish Idea => Topic started by: Ari Ben-Canaan on January 05, 2010, 08:14:41 PM

Title: Does "Rebbe" mean "Rabbi", or does it mean you like that particular rabbi?
Post by: Ari Ben-Canaan on January 05, 2010, 08:14:41 PM
Can one use the term "Rebbe" in place of "Rabbi" freely, or is "Rebbe" saved for Rabbis who one has a particular liking to, or thinks highly of?
 :)
Title: Re: Does "Rebbe" mean "Rabbi", or does it mean you like that particular rabbi?
Post by: muman613 on January 05, 2010, 08:19:34 PM
Can one use the term "Rebbe" in place of "Rabbi" freely, or is "Rebbe" saved for Rabbis who one has a particular liking to, or thinks highly of?
 :)
http://www.jewfaq.org/rabbi.htm

Rebbe

Rebbe is the term for the spiritual master and guide of a Chasidic community. The term is sometimes translated as "Grand Rabbi," but literally it simply means "my rabbi." A rebbe is also considered to be a tzaddik (see below). The position is usually hereditary. A rebbe has the final word over every decision in a Chasid's life.

Outside of the Chasidic community, the term "rebbe" is sometimes used simply to refer to ones own personal rabbi or any rabbi that a person has a close relationship with.

The term "rebbe" should not be confused with the term "reb," which is simply a Yiddish title of respect more or less equivalent to "Mister" in English.
Title: Re: Does "Rebbe" mean "Rabbi", or does it mean you like that particular rabbi?
Post by: Ari Ben-Canaan on January 05, 2010, 08:30:48 PM
Wow, muman613, perfect answer to my question in less than 5 mins!  Who could ask for more?

Thank you for answering my question my friend! :dance: