rabbi

/ˌræˈbaɪ/

/ˈræbaɪ/

Other forms: rabbis

If being a rabbi was just a matter of long beards and black suits, then ZZ Top could have opened up a yeshiva. A rabbi is a Jewish spiritual leader who is a scholar of Torah laws and customs.

The word rabbi comes from the Hebrew raba, meaning "great" or "revered," as seen in the Hebrew expressions saba raba (great grandfather) or hatzlacha raba (a blessing for much success). Rabbis might serve one or more of a number of roles within a Jewish community, including motivational speakers, Torah legal authorities, teachers, mentors, therapists, or as mohels who can perform ritual circumcisions.

Definitions of rabbi

1. noun

   spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation; qualified to expound and apply Jewish law
   examples:

   Hillel

   Palestinian rabbi and interpreter of Judaic law

   types:

   amora

   one of a group of rabbis (active AD 250-500) who discussed the Mishnaic law in the law schools of Palestine and Mesopotamia where they explained and applied earlier teachings and whose discussions are recorded in the Talmud; they emphasized the study of Torah and the importance of personal action and the fulfillment of the commandments

   type of:

   spiritual leader

   a leader in religious or sacred affairs