Using Personal Titles: Using Personal Titles #12: Jewish Religious Titles

Dennis Oliver

Using Personal Titles #12:
Jewish ReligiousTitles

There are also special titles used in the Jewish religion,
but not many that are common in the English-speaking
world. Here are the only two that are in general use:

In speaking,

for . . .		use this title:
a rabbi*		Rabbi Rabbi (surname)

a cantor*		Cantor Cantor (surname)

In writing a letter,

for . . .		use this title:
a rabbi*		Rabbi (name) address

a cantor*		Cantor (name) address

In writing a letter,

for . . .		use this greeting:
a rabbi*		Dear Rabbi: Dear Rabbi (surname):

a cantor*		Dear Cantor (surname):

_________________________________________

Special Notes:

1.		A rabbi is not the same as a priest or minister. A rabbi is considered a teacher of Jewish law, not, primarily, someone who conducts ceremonies. A cantor leads the congregation in singing prayers in a synagogue or temple service-- or sings prayers that the people do not know. Cantors have both musical and religious training.

2.		There are several subgroups within the Jewish religion--Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, and others. The practices and traditions within each subgroup are different. In some Jewish subgroups, for example, only men may hold the office of rabbi, cantor, and so on, but in others, women may also hold these offices. The title for a woman rabbi or cantor is the same as for a man: Rabbi or Cantor.

3.		Other titles are used in the Jewish religion, but they are not commonly known or used outside the religion. One of these terms is Tzaddik (not used in many branches of Judaism)--a chief rabbi with mystical powers. Another one is Shammos--the caretaker of the temple or of the synagogue.

Using Personal Titles: Using Personal Titles #12: Jewish Religious Titles

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