Gabbai

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

noun

, (sometimes lowercase)

, plural Gab·ba·im [gah-bah-, eem, gah-, bahy, -im], English Gab·bais.

1. a minor official of a synagogue, having limited ceremonial or administrative functions.
2. (in the early Middle Ages) a government official charged with collecting taxes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Gabbai¹

Literally, “treasurer”

Example Sentences

He heaved a deep sigh at his own hypocrisy, and the Gabbai sighed in response.

From Project Gutenberg

Shame on you—you a Gabbai (treasurer) of the Great Synagogue.

From Project Gutenberg

Then S. Cohn felt not only Gabbai, but town councillor again.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a burst of laughter, to the Gabbai's great astonishment.

From Project Gutenberg

You're the first Gabbai I ever knew who was satisfied with his balance-sheet.

From Project Gutenberg