Zaddik

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A revered individual known for their exceptional moral integrity and spiritual wisdom within the Jewish faith
2. An esteemed figure recognized for their deep commitment to ethical living and spiritual insight in Jewish tradition
3. A person honored for outstanding righteousness and spiritual guidance in Judaism

Etymology: The Hebrew word "tsadík" simply means "righteous person," built on the root "ts-d-q," which carries the sense of being just or in the right. In Jewish tradition the term came to describe a holy man or spiritual leader whose piety was believed to draw down blessings on his community, and Hasidic communities in eastern Europe made the title central to their religious life. English took the word from this religious usage, and the spelling "zaddik" is one of several ways it appears in print, alongside "tzaddik." The variety of forms reflects how the Hebrew has been pronounced: many speakers today have adjusted its sound under the influence of Yiddish "tsadek," which shares the same meaning and the same origin in Hebrew.

Synonyms: righteous person