Hakham

Hakham or Chacham (Hebrew חכם lit. "wise") is usually a word or title that refers to one who is a great Torah scholar. It carries the connotation of a sage or someone renowned for his wisdom and understanding.

Related Topics:
Hebrew - Torah

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In Muslim countries, a rabbi was often called a hakham because al-Rab in Arabic was one of the names of God and may have caused offense due to misunderstanding (and the attendant blasphemy trials and potential pogroms) was feared. Thus the chief rabbi of the Ottoman Empire was called the Hakham Baši (Hakham Bashi).

Related Topics:
Muslim - Rabbi - Arabic - Chief rabbi - Ottoman Empire - Hakham Bashi

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