Reb (Yiddish)


Reb is a Yiddish or Hebrew honorific traditionally used for Orthodox Jewish men. It is not a rabbinic title. In writing it is abbreviated as ר׳. On a gravestone, ב'ר is an abbreviation for ben/bat reb meaning "son/daughter of the worthy..." Reb may also be a short form of Rebbe. It is generally only used for married men, sometimes an equivalent of "Mr."
A never-married man is referred to as Habachur

History

The title was adopted by Orthodox Jews at the time of the schism with the Karaites, as a sign of loyalty to Rabbinic Judaism.

Usage

When addressing someone directly, Reb is usually used with the first name only. In other circumstances, it can be used with either the first name or the full name. In formal written address, it is usually used along with the full name.