3815 —פניה לאדמו"ר בכבוד, המסורת של אי שימוש בשמות פרטיים

B"H, 7 Tishrei, 5716.

Brooklyn.

Harav Yehuda Segal.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

Regarding your question whether it is permitted for a student to mention his teacher by name together with an honorific title—the details and opinions on this are explained in Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah section 242:15 and its commentaries. It is known that the custom among Chassidim regarding Rebbes is to be especially stringent in this matter, even when not in the Rebbe's presence. Seemingly, according to the above sources, this would be simply permitted. However, there is a basis for this ancient custom, and furthermore—it is not merely a stringency. Based on what is written there in section 16, the main concern is that it should not be "like the way of other people." If one treats his Rebbe according to the above leniency "like his other teachers," this falls under what is prohibited in section 16. There is no difference whether this relates to greeting or to speaking or writing. As for what is cited—Adoni Moshe (my master Moshe), Abba Chalafta, etc.—which forms the basis for the leniency of section 15—in those cases, Yehoshua never called anyone else Adoni (my master), and Rabbi Yosi never called anyone else Abba with a title. This is clear and self-evident. I have discussed this at length elsewhere.

Summary

The Rebbe explains that Chassidic custom not to address a Rebbe by first name—even with honorifics—is rooted in halachah and reflects deeper respect than ordinary rabbi-student relationships.