Reb (Yiddish:רב,/ˈrɛb/) is aYiddish orHebrewhonorific traditionally used forOrthodox Jewish men. It is not arabbinic title.[1] In writing it is abbreviated as ר׳. On agravestone, ב'ר is an abbreviation forben/bat reb meaning "son/daughter of the worthy..."[1] Reb may also be a short form ofRebbe. It is generally only used for married men, sometimes an equivalent of "Mr."
A never-married man[2] is referred to asHabachur.[3][4]
The title was adopted by Jews at the time of the schism with theKaraites, as a sign of loyalty toRabbinic Judaism.[5]
When addressing someone directly,Reb is usually used with the first name only ("May I help you, Reb Chaim?"). In other circumstances, it can be used with either the first name or the full name ("This is Reb Chaim Jacobs."; "Would you please help Reb Chaim?"). In formal written address, it is usually used along with the full name.
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