Rebbetzin

As Rebbetzin (Yiddish: רביצין) or also among the Sephardim Rabbanit (Hebrew: רַבָּנִית; otherwise Rabbanit refers to the female rabbi), the wife of a rabbi is referred to. In the Hasidic milieu the term is also used for the woman a Rebbes , ie the Admor .

The word contains influences from three different languages. The Hebrew origin is in rebbe, the Slavic influence can be recognized by the feminine suffix " itza" and the Yiddish suffix " in" .

A Rebbetzin is held in high regard in every community, and women often ask her for advice, especially when it comes to halachic questions about the female gender and sexuality. Already in the Middle Ages the Rebbetzin had such a position, as a letter from Schöndlein, wife of Isserlein , attested (see also → The Schöndlein letter ).