Gabbai

[ Sephardic Hebrew gah-bahy; Ashkenazic Hebrew gah-bahy; English guh-bahy ]

/ Sephardic Hebrew gɑˈbaɪ; Ashkenazic Hebrew ˈgɑ baɪ; English gəˈbaɪ /

a minor official of a synagogue, having limited ceremonial or administrative functions.

(in the early Middle Ages) a government official charged with collecting taxes.

QUIZZES

Are you learning new vocabulary? Or do you just have an interest in words? Either way, this quiz is for you.

Question 1 of 10

orchard

literally, treasurer

Shame on you—you a Gabbai (treasurer) of the Great Synagogue.
The King of Schnorrers|Israel Zangwill
There was a burst of laughter, to the Gabbai's great astonishment.
Ghetto Comedies|Israel Zangwill
You're the first Gabbai I ever knew who was satisfied with his balance-sheet.
Ghetto Comedies|Israel Zangwill
He heaved a deep sigh at his own hypocrisy, and the Gabbai sighed in response.
Dreamers of the Ghetto|I. Zangwill

Then S. Cohn felt not only Gabbai, but town councillor again.
Ghetto Comedies|Israel Zangwill