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Rebbe which means master, teacher, or mentor is the pronunciation by Ashkenazic Jews of the Hebrew word "רבי". Its transliteration should be Rebbi, but the "i" (eeh sound) is rarely stressed, rendering its pronounciation as the "a" in "America", hence Rebbe. In modern Hebrew (as used in Israel), which uses the Sephardic dialect, it would be pronounced as "Rabbee". Rebbe which means master, teacher, or mentor is the pronunciation by Ahskenazic Jews of the Hebrew word "רבי". Its transliteration should be Rebbi, but the "i" (eeh sound) is rarely stressed, rendering its pronounciation as the "a" in "America", hence Rebbe. In modern Hebrew (as used in Israel), which uses the Sephardic dialect, it would be pronounced as "Rabbee".
Terminology and origin
The Sages of the Mishnah known as the Tannaim, from the 1st and 2nd centuries of the common era, were known by the title Rebbi, for example Rebbi Akiva and Rebbi Shimon bar Yochoyi. Rebbi Yehudah haNasi, the leader of Jewry, was simply called Rebbi, meaning "the Rebbe".
The Sages of the Talmud known as the Amoraim from the 3rd, 4th and early 5th centuries, those born in the Land of Israel, were called Rebbe; but those born in the diaspora were known by the title Rav.
Usage
The word Rebbe as used today could have three meanings:
- A person's main Rosh Yeshiva or mentor, who teaches him/her Torah or gives guidance, would be referred to as "my Rebbe".
- Yeshiva students or Cheder (earlier education) students, when talking to their teacher, would address him with the honorific Rebbe. They would also refer to him when speaking to classmates as "my Rebbe" or "the Rebbe".
- The leader of a Chasidus is called a Rebbe. His followers would call him "the Rebbe" or refer to him when speaking to others as "my Rebbe". He would be referred to by others as the Rebbe of a particular Chasidus. It is this definition that the remainder of the article will discuss. In Hebrew, a Hassidic Rebbe is often referred to as an Admor, which is an abbreviation for Adoneinu, Moreinu, veRabbenu, "Our Master, our Teacher, and our Rabbi".
In the Yeshivishe world, when not referring to a Hasidic Rebbe the word would rather be pronounced "Rebbi"; stressing the "i".
Distinctions between rebbe and rav
A rebbe is distinct from a 'rav' (a word usually translated as Rabbi, who is a leader of an Orthodox Jewish community, either Hasidic or non-Hasidic) in that a rebbe need have no scholarly attainments, and as such is not necessarily qualified to pasken halakha (decide points of Jewish law). It is not uncommon for a Hasidic Jew to have a rebbe and to go to a rav for a ruling on an issue of religious law. Interestingly, there have been a few female rebbes, among them the Maiden of Ludmir.
Hasidim use the term to denote someone that they perceive not only as the religious leader of their congregation, but as their spiritual adviser and mentor. A rebbe is someone whose views are accepted not only on issues of religious dogma and practice, but in all arenas of life, including political and social issues.
There may be non-Hasidim who use the concept of a (non-Hasidic) rebbe in this context and would also use this term. Example: "I will ask my rebbe, Rabbi so-and-so, for advice about this personal matter."
Among Hassidim, a Rebbe is referred to in Hebrew as "Admor", and a Rav is often referred to as "Av Beis Din", the leader of a Beth Din, even if he does not lead any Beth Din. In some instances, particularly in Hungarian circles, the two terms are sometimes interchangeable.
Hasidic Rebbes
The first and greatest Hasidic Rebbe, according to Hasidism, was its founder Rebbe Yisroel Baal Shem Tov. His disciples who rose to positions of leadership and their successors are called with the title Rebbe. The title gradually came to suggest a higher spiritual status.
Each Hasidic group refers to its leader as "The Rebbe." A Hasidic leader is also known as an AdMoR (an acrostic for ''Ad[oneinu] Mo[reinu] R[abeinu]'', "[Our] Master, Teacher, Rabbi").
As an example, Grand Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the leader of the Chabad Lubavitch Hasidim, was referred to as "The Rebbe" by Lubavitcher Hasidim; and to non-Lubavitchers he was called the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
Relationship of Hasidim to their Rebbe
A Chassidic Rebbe is generally understood to be an exceptionally righteous person (called a "Tzaddik"). According to Kabbalah (and particularly the Chassidic understanding of Kabbalah), the world is sustained on the "shoulders" of several exceptionally righteous people in a generation (Tzaddikim). These people are understood to have perfected their personal service of God to such an extent that they become literally and physically aware of God. These righteous people's perception (of both spiritual and physical, not to mention temporal matters) transcends the apparent bounderies of existance, such that a Rebbe will appear to be able to "see the future," or at least have strong insight into the life and trials of another. Furthermore, a Rebbe is said to be able to affect divine providence.
As a result, Chassidim in some Chassidic circles seek their Rebbe's advice for a variety of concerns: spiritual, physical, and even business concerns. Furthermore, many people seek the blessing (Brocho) of a Rebbe (and a Chassid will specifically seek the blessing of his own Rebbe) for anything from minor (and all the more so major) physical troubles, to grand spiritual concerns. The most famous and common stories of a Rebbe's intervention involves women who successfully seek a Rebbe's blessing for fertility so that they can become pregnant after having been barren for many years.
Given a Rebbe's physical awareness of God, and the Rebbe's transcendent perception of Godliness, many Chassidim take special care to observe the specific and sometimes minute practices of their Rebbe. Even things that seem mundane may nonetheless be seen by Chassidim as incredibly significant. For example, Lubavitcher Chassidim frequently shape their fedoras to match the way that the Lubavitcher Rebbe shaped his hat. Many Skverer Chassidim (of the Skverer Rebbe in New Square) wear glasses identical to those of the Skverer Rebbe. While Chassidim do not always follow the specific practices of their Rebbe, the Rebbe is able to create practices that may be specific and unique to his Chassidim. For example, Rabbi Aaron Roth (Reb Areleh, as he was called) the first Rebbe of Shomer Emunim, told his Chassidim to frequently pause while eating their meals in order to keep them from overindulging (while this practice may be viewed as meritorious even outside of that circle, it is nonetheless a practice that is fairly unique to Shomer Emunim Chassidim and its off-shoots).
It goes without saying that a Chasid will usually love his Rebbe like a close family member, if not more so. But the degree and nature of this belief varies depending on the sect. In some sects the Hasidim believe that their rebbe is the "tzadik hador" (greatest and holiest saint of the generation) and would regard any thought that detracts from his perfection and holiness as heresy. Other sects lessen this idealization to some degree or another. Since many Rebbeim are sons-in-law or students of other Rebbeim, it makes sense that they would view themselves as subordinate to those other Rebbeim. Nonetheless, their Chassidim remain loyal to them because of their special loyalty, a family connection, or a belief that a specific Tzaddik (though there may be others of greater spiritual stature) connects best with one's soul. For example, the Kosover Rebbe makes yearly pilgrimages to the Tosher Rebbe. Nonetheless, his Chassidim remain very loyal to him.
Kvitlach and tish
To date there are generally—although there are quite a few exceptions—two primary characteristics that mark a rabbi as a rebbe. One is reading kvitlach (Yiddish: "notes"). A kvittel is a note with the name of the petitioner, and those who have requests for prayers, and short requests for which the rebbe is asked to pray. The formula in which a person's name is written is one's own Hebrew name, the son/daughter of one's mother's Hebrew name, such as Shimon ben Rivkah, or Simeon the son of Rebbecca. Hasidim believe that rebbes read supernaturally "between the lines" of a kvittle, and in every Hasidic sect there are numerous anecdotes relating how the rebbe saw things that were not written in the kvittle. The kvittle is usually written by the rebbe's gabbai (secretary). Usually, but with some exceptions, a pidyon (redemption) of cash is handed to the rebbe under the kvittle. This is considered to be the conduit through which the blessing is given, and a redemtion for the soul of the petitioner. It is also customary to tip the gabbai.
The second is conducting or feering a Tish - a communal festive meal - on the Sabbath and other occasions.
Hasidic sects
In Israel, some of the best known Hasidic groups are the Ger, Nadvorna, Vizhnitz and Belz Hasidim, each having their own rebbes. Some of the larger or better known Hassidic groups in the United States of America are the Satmar (founded by Rabbi Joel Teitelbaum), Puppa, Skulen, Skver, Czernobyl, Bobov, and Lubavitch Hasidim. However, a more complete list of Hassidic groups, or dynasties, can be found here.
Some Hasidic rebbes have thousands of followers, or disciples called hasidim, (meaning "righteous ones"), whilst others may have only a few hundred. Some only have a title, but don't have a following beyond their own family members and a few congregants in their synagogues.
Rebbes are usually called by the Yiddish name of the geographic region in which they or their predecessors gained prominence: e.g., the Bobover Rebbe is tied to Bobow (Poland), the Skulener Rebbe is tied to Skuleny (Transcarpathia), and the Bostoner Rebbe is tied to Boston, USA.
Some Hasidim, such as those who are Breslov follow their deceased Rebbe Nachman of Breslav. Similarly, the Lubavitchers remain loyal to the deceased Rabbi Schneerson, who died childless, and his followers continue to follow and venerate him after his passing.
There are a few hundred groups of Hasidim that have sprung up over the generations. As it is impossible to list them all here, only some of the bigger and well known ones will be listed.
Rebbes of different dynasties
Rebbes of Bobov
1. Grand Rabbi Shlomo Halberstam (1847-1905)
2. Grand Rabbi Ben Zion Halberstam (1874-1941)
3. Grand Rabbi Shlomo Halberstam (1907-2000)
4. Grand Rabbi Naftali Halberstam (1930-2005)
5. Grand Rabbi Mordecai David Unger (b. 1955)
5. Grand Rabbi Ben Zion Halberstam (b. 1955)
Rebbes of Breslov
- Grand Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (1772-1810)
Rebbes of Ger
- Ger:
- Grand Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Alter (1798(?)-1866)
- Grand Rabbi Yehudah Aryeh Leib Alter (1847-1905)
- Grand Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Alter (1866-1948)
- Grand Rabbi Yisrael Alter (1895-1977)
- Grand Rabbi Simchah Bunim Alter (1898-1992)
- Grand Rabbi Pinchas Menachem Alter (1926-1996)
- Grand Rabbi Yakov Aryeh Alter (b. 1936)
Rebbes of Chabad Lubavitch
- The Alter Rebbe - Grand Rabbi Shneur Zalman Baruchovitch of Liadi (1745-1812)
- The Mitler Rebbe - Grand Rabbi Dovber Schneuri (1773-1827)
- The Tzemach Tzedeck - Grand Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn (1789-1866)
- The Rebbe Maharash - Grand Rabbi Shmuel Schneersohn (1834-1882)
- The Rebbe Rashab - Grand Rabbi Sholom Dovber Schneersohn (1860-1920)
- The Rebbe Rayatz - Grand Rabbi Joseph Isaac Schneersohn (1880-1950)
- The Rebbe - Grand Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902-1994)
Rebbes of Karlin
- Grand Rabbi Aaron HaGadol Perlow of Karlin (1736-1772)
- Grand Rabbi Shlomo HaLevi of Karlin (1738-1792)
- Grand Rabbi Asher Perlow of Karlin (d. 1836)
- Grand Rabbi Aaron Perlow of Karlin - the Beth Aharon (1802-1872)
- Grand Rabbi Asher Perlow of Karlin (d. 1873)
- Grand Rabbi Israel Perlow of Karlin (1868-1921)
- Grand Rabbi Yochanan Perlow of Karlin-Stolin (1900-1956)
- Grand Rabbi Baruch Yaakov Meir Shochet of Karlin-Stolin (b. 1955)
Rebbes of Pupa
- Grand Rabbi Moshe Greenwald of Chust - author of Arugos HaBosem
- Grand Rabbi Yaakov Chizkiah Greenwald of Pupa - author of Vayaged Yaakov
- Grand Rabbi Yosef Greenwald of Pupa - author of Vayechi Yosef
- Grand Rabbi Yaakov Chizkiah Greenwald of Pupa - present Rebbe of Puppa
Rebbes of Satmar (Sighet-Ujhel)
1. Grand Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum of Ujhel (1759–1841) — The Yismach Moshe 2. Grand Rabbi Eleazer Nissan Teitelbaum of Drobitsch — (son of the Yismach Moshe) 3. Grand Rabbi Yekusiel Yehudah Teitelbaum of Sighet — The Yetev Lev (son of Rebbe Eleazer Nissan) 4. Grand Rabbi Chananyah Yom Tov Lipa Teitelbaum of Sighet — The Kedushath Yom Tov (son of the Yetev Lev) 5. Grand Rabbi Chaim Tzvi Teitelbaum of Sighet — The Atzei Chaim (son of the Kedushath Yom Tov) 5. Grand Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum (1887–1979) of Satmar — The Divrei Yoel, author of Vayoel Moshe (son of the Kedushath Yom Tov) 6. Grand Rabbi Zalman Leib Teitelbaum (1911-1944) of Siget (son of the Atzei Chaim) 6. Grand Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum (1979–2006) — The Berach Moshe (son of the Atzei Chaim) 7. Grand Rabbi Aaron Teitelbaum - Present Satmar Rebbe of Kiryas Joel (son of the Berach Moshe) 7. Grand Rabbi Chananyah Yom Tov Lipa Teitelbaum - Present Zenta Rebbe (son of the Berach Moshe) 7. Grand Rabbi Zalman Leib Teitelbaum - Present Satmar Rebbe of Williamsburg (son of the Berach Moshe) 7. Grand Rabbi Chaim Yehoshua Halberstam - Present Satmar Rebbe of Monsey (son-in-law of the Berach Moshe)
Rebbes of Skverr
- Grand Rabbi Isaac Twersky of Skverr
- Grand Rabbi David Twersky of Skverr (1848-1919)
- Grand Rabbi Jacob Joseph of Skverr (1899-1968)
- Grand Rabbi David of Skverr (present Rebbe of Skverr)
Rebbes of Toldos Aharon-Reb Arele
- Reb Arele
- Grand Rabbi Aharon "Arele" Roth, the previous Shomer Emunim Rebbe
- Grand Rabbi Avraham Chaim Roth, the present Shomer Emunim Rebbe, son of Reb Arele
- Grand Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kahn, the previous Toldos Aharon Rebbe, author of Divrei Emunah - son-in-law of Reb Arele
- Grand Rabbi Shmuel Yaakov Kahn, the Toldos Avraham Yitzchak Rebbe, son of the Divrei Emunah
- Grand Rabbi Dovid Kahn, the present Toldos Aharon Rebbe, son of the Divrei Emunah
Rebbes of Viznitz
- Viznitz
- Grand Rabbi Menachem Mendel Hager - The Tzemach Tzaddik
- Grand Rabbi Baruch Hager - The Imrei Baruch
- Grand Rabbi Yisrael Hager - The Ahavas Yisrael
- Grand Rabbi Chaim Meir Hager - The Imrei Chaim
- Grand Rabbi Moshe Yehoshua Hager - The current Rebbe of Vizhnitz
- Grand Rabbi Mordechai Hager - The current Rebbe of the Monsey branch of Vizhnitz
- Grand Rabbi Chaim Meir Hager - The Imrei Chaim
- Grand Rabbi Yisrael Hager - The Ahavas Yisrael
- Grand Rabbi Baruch Hager - The Imrei Baruch
Rebbes of Nadvorna
Rebbes of Czernobyl
Rebbes of Rophshitz
[[Ropshitz (Hasidic dynasty)|Ropshitz
Female Rebbes
Although rare, Female Rebbes have existed in Chassidic History, such as the Maiden of Ludmir.
See also
External links
- Famous Rebbes - collections of biographies
- Over 600 Videos of Rebbes
- The Role of a Rebbe and the Rebbe-Chossid Relationship chabad.org
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