Rabb

Rabb (Arabic: رب‎, Turkish: Rab is an Arabic word meaning Lord, Sustainer, Cherisher, Master, Nourisher. In Islam, Ar-Rabb is often used to address Allah, although Ar-Rabb is not one of the 99 names (or attributes) of Allah. When it is used with the definite article 'Ar' (Ar-Rabb) the Arabic word refers to Allah. As for other than Allah, it can be used to say Rabb Ad-Dar, the master of such and such object or the nourisher of such and such object. Rabb is also a common and acceptable first and/or last name throughout the world.

The literal meaning of the word is Sustainer, Master and/or "Nourisher", and in that sense, a man is the "rabb" of his house. With the same root is the verb yurabbi, meaning "raise" (as in raise a child). Rabb also means "the Creator", as it is referred to in the Quran several times as "رب العالمين". However, Rabb covers such a wide meaning that other languages lack an equivalent of the word. Some have explained it to mean a fostering things in such a manner as to make them attain one condition after another until they reach their goal of completion. Thus, it conveys not only the idea of fostering, bringing up or nourishing, but also that of regulating, completing, accomplishing, cherishing, sustaining and bringing to maturity by evolution from the earliest state to that of the highest perfection. The Quran, in Surah Fatihah, introduces this name in the beginning, "All praise and gratitude is due to Allah, Rabb of all the worlds." Note that it mentions "Rabb of all the worlds", thus stating clearly that he takes care, nourishes, fosters through every stage of existence, everything that exists.

Rav

Rav (Heb. רב) is the Hebrew word for rabbi. For a more nuanced discussion see semicha. The term is also frequently used by Orthodox Jews to refer to one's own rabbi.

In the Talmud, the title Rav generally precedes the names of Babylonian Amoraim, whereas the title Rabbi generally precedes the names of ordained scholars in Palestine (whether Tannaim or Amoraim).

In the Talmud, Rav or Rab (used alone) is a common name for Abba Arika, the first Amora, who established the great yeshiva at Sura, which, using the Mishnah as text, led to the compilation of the Talmud.

In some Hasidic groups, the Rebbe is also referred to as a Rav; in other circles, the Rav is distinct from the Rebbe and is the highest Dayan (judge of a Jewish religious court of law) of the group.

The term rav is also a generic term for a teacher or a personal spiritual guide. For example, Pirkei Avot tells us that "Joshua ben Perachyah said: Provide for yourself a teacher (rav)."

The Rav

Nachmanides will sometimes refer to Maimonides as HaRav, "The Rav".