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.
Read more about this topic: Honorifics In Judaism
Famous quotes containing the word rabbi:
“Calling a taxi in Texas is like calling a rabbi in Iraq.”
—Fran Lebowitz (b. 1950)