Gabbai

American  

[gah-bahy, gah-bahy, guh-bahy] / gɑˈbaɪ, ˈgɑ baɪ, gəˈbaɪ /

noun

(sometimes lowercase)

plural

Gabbaim,

plural

Gabbais

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.

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Etymology

Origin of Gabbai

Literally, “treasurer”

Example Sentences

This is an important year, said David Dario Gabbai, a 93-year-old survivor who traveled to Poland this week from his home in California.

From Washington Post • Jan. 27, 2015

Good Shabbos to you, Mr. Gabbai, and kindly mind your own business in future—your locomotives and your sidings and your stinking tunnels.'

From Ghetto Comedies by Zangwill, Israel

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

From Ghetto Comedies by Zangwill, Israel

So violently did he weep that the Gabbai or treasurer—one of the most pious master-bootmakers—gave him the "Peace" salutation after the service.

From Dreamers of the Ghetto by Zangwill, Israel

So, trade being brisk, the Gabbai relented and bargained, and the Red Beadle sped to his friend's abode and flew up the four flights of stairs.

From Dreamers of the Ghetto by Zangwill, Israel