hakham

9.9

A respected wise Jewish teacher and community leader

noun
/hɑːˈkɑːm/

: hakham

The community sought advice from the hakham on important religious matters.

Examples

He studied for many years before becoming a hakham in his synagogue.
Rabbi Cohen is a respected hakham in our town.
As a renowned hakham, he was respected throughout the region for his wisdom.
The hakham led the community in prayer.
As a renowned hakham, he was respected throughout the region for his wisdom.
The community sought advice from the hakham on important religious matters.
He studied for many years before becoming a hakham in his synagogue.

Synonyms

rabban

vshakham

Archaic

1 9.9

A title given long ago to respected Jewish teachers and scholars

is a modern Hebrew honor for a learned community or religious leader

Surface Forms

hakham singular

hakhamim plural

Etymology

The word hakham comes from Hebrew and originally means 'wise', and it is the same root as Arabic hakim meaning 'wise' or 'doctor'. So a hakham today is a respectful title for a wise, well-educated man or teacher, often used for a rabbi or community leader.