noun
reb
noun
1
A respectful title used before the name of a Jewish teacher or religious leader, similar to "sir" or "mister."
"The students greeted Reb Yankel before the lesson began."
"Everyone in the shul knew him simply as Reb Moshe."
2
Short for "Rebbe," the leader of a Hasidic community.
"Followers travelled from across the country to hear the Reb speak."
How to Use Reb
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA polite Yiddish/Hebrew title placed before a man's first name, roughly like "Mr." but with a note of respect for religious learning.
Common pairings
Reb Yankel
the Reb said
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The students greeted _____ Yankel before the lesson began.
Etymology
From Yiddish reb, itself borrowed from Hebrew rav ("master, teacher").