Rabbi

:See Semicha for article about "ordination" of rabbis.

Sages as rabbis

The rabbi is not an occupation found in the Torah (i.e the Pentateuch) as such; the first time this word is mentioned is in the Mishnah.

Related Topics:
Torah - Pentateuch - Mishnah

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The more ancient generations had no such titles as Rabban, Ribbi, or Rab , for either the Babylonian sages or the sages in Israel. This is evident from the fact that Hillel I, who came from Babylon, did not have the title Rabban prefixed to his name. Of the prophets, also, who were very eminent, it is simply said, "Haggai the prophet" etc., "Ezra did not come up from Babylon" etc., the title Rabban not being used. Indeed, this title is not met with earlier than the time of the patriarchate.

Related Topics:
Hillel I - Babylon - Prophets - Haggai the prophet

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This title was first used for Rabban Gamaliel the elder, Rabban Simeon his son, and Rabban Johanan ben Zakkai, all of whom were patriarchs or presidents of the Sanhedrin. The title Ribbi too, came into vogue among those who received the laying on of hands at this period, as, for instance, Ribbi Zadok, Ribbi Eliezer ben Jacob, and others, and dates from the time of the disciples of Rabban Johanan ben Zakkai downward. Now the order of these titles is as follows: Ribbi is greater than Rab; Rabban again, is greater than Ribbi; while the simple name is greater than Rabban. Besides the presidents of the Sanhedrin no one is called Rabban.

Related Topics:
Rabban Gamaliel the elder - Rabban Simeon - Rabban Johanan ben Zakkai - Sanhedrin - Ribbi Zadok - Ribbi Eliezer ben Jacob

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The title "Ribbi" was borne by the sages of ancient Israel, who were ordained by the Sanhedrin in accordance with the custom handed down by the elders. They were titled Ribbi and received authority to judge penal cases. Rab was the title of the Babylonian sages who received their ordination in colleges.

Related Topics:
Sanhedrin - Babylonian sage

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The basic form of the rabbi developed in the Pharisaic and Talmudic era.

Related Topics:
Pharisaic - Talmud

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