Hakham

Chacham (also: Chakam, Hacham, Hakham; Aramaic חכם, " sage ", pl Chachamim. ) Was originally the name given to a wise man, which had to be not necessarily Jewish origin. In particular, Chacham is a title for a rabbinic scholar. The concept of development denoted by Chacham initially only scholar who not Semicha is awarded, ie where the authorization is missing to make valid decisions on matters of religious law, halakha. Later the term also extended for ordained scholars.

In the Sanhedrin, the " High Council ", the long time the supreme Jewish religious and political authority, and the Supreme Court was simultaneously used to the concept Chacham for a "third leader " after the highest ranking Nasi (prince ) and its representatives Av Beth Din.

The plural Chachams includes all amoraim and Tannaim, which are also called Aramaic " Rabbanan ".

The Sephardim Chacham referred to local rabbis, with the title " Rabbi " subject was to be awarded extra- ordinary scholars. In the Ottoman Empire was called the Chief Rabbi Cacham bashi.