Rabbis of the Talmud
Question
Why are some rabbis of the Talmud referred to as “Rabbi” and some or not?
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
While I cannot comment on every single figure in the Talmud, here are some of the primary details and guidelines:
· The great and famous sages like Hillel and Shammai (and most others of that era known as the “zugot” – pairs) are not called “rabbi.” In fact, we are told that this is to convey that they were even greater than the typical rabbi. On this our sages say “greater then being called “rabbi” is being called by your name.”
· Ben Azzai and Ben Zoma are not called “rabbi” because they were never ordained (Rashi to Kiddushin 49a).
· The name Reish Lakish is short for "Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish"
· Of course, those with the title “rabbi” were ordained.