Rab and Mar - the difference?

[Paul Younan]

Shlama Akhi Lector,

In pre-Christian Babylonian days (when we were Jews), the Rabbis were called "Mar."

See the Babylonian Talmud entry here:

http://learn.jtsa.edu/topics/reading/boo...ter1.shtml

Some prominents "Mar"s of the Babylonian Talmud include:

"Mar Shmuel", "Mar Ukba", "Mar bar Rav Ashi", "Mar Kashiha", "Mar Zutra", etc.

When we became "Messianic", we still carried this Babylonian Jewish tradition of calling our religious leaders by the title of "Mar."

"Mar" is like the English title "Sir" or "Lord" as used especially in the British setting (i.e., "Lord Stephen Pound" who is a member of the British Parliament). It is a title of honor and distinction.

That's why we call our Patriarchs, Bishops, etc. by the title "Mar (name)".