CHAIN OF MESORAH

HALACHA

CONNECTED TO SINAI

PART IIBASIC APPROACH TO STANDARD TEXTS

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Text of Rabbi Moses Maimonides (Rambam) Kesef Mishneh - Rabbi Yosef Karo (1488-1575)

Rabbi Karo was born in Toledo, Spain. Rabbi Joseph Karo left Spain in 1492 as a result of the Spanish expulsion of the Jews, and settled with his family in Turkey. In 1536, he emigrated to Israel and became the chief rabbi of Safed, an important center of Jewish learning and industry. and he died in Safed, Israel. He is also called Maran ("our master") or Ha-Mechaber ("the Author," i.e. the halachic author par excellence).

Magid Mishneh - Rav Vidal of Tolosa A student of the Rashba. His commentary included sources for the laws, plus

explaining why some laws preceded others and why some were omitted. The commentary encompasses only six of the Mishneh Torah's fourteen volumes. He is credited with dying a martyr’s death.

Mishneh LaMelech – Rabbi Yehudah Rosannes (1657-1727)“Second to the King” (based on Esther 10,3), is based on a word-play on the name of

the Mishneh Torah. It is a collection of original interpretations on a variety of issues

Lechem Mishneh - Rabbi Avrohom di Boton (1545-1588) Lechem Mishneh (“Twice as much bread”, see Shmos 16,22). traces the sources of the

Rambam’s rulings, attempting to resolve the difficulties between the Yad Chazakah and the Talmud. After starting his work, he came into contact with the sefer Kesef Mishneh, and thereafter, avoided duplications.

Migdal Oz - Rabbi Shem Tov ben Avrohom Ibn Gaon (1282-1340)Migdal Oz (“Strong Tower” see Bereshis 9, 51) was the first work to systemically

identify sources for the Yad Chazakah. He defended the work from attack by critics, cited Rambam’s responsa, and corrected textual errors.

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ILLUSTRATION - I

MISHNEH TORAH

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Text of Tur – Rabbi Yaacov ben Asher Bais Chadash – Rabbi Yoel Sirkis (1561-1640)

Rav Yoel Sirkis served as the Rav of Belz, Brest-Litovsk, and Cracow. His Bayit Chadash (Bach) is a major commentary on the Tur (second only to the Beit Yoseif). He was the father in law of the Taz (who frequently refers to him).

Bais Yosef - Rabbi Yosef Karo (1488-1575)His main work was the Beit Yoseif, a commentary on the Tur. This work was then

published in digest form as the Shulchan Aruch. Additionally, he wrote a commentary on Yad Chazakah known as the Kesef Mishna, and a set of responsa, Avkat Rocheil is attributed to him as well.

Perisha - Rav Yehoshua Falk Katz (1550-1614)Rav Yehoshua Falk Katz served as the Rosh Yeshiva in Lemberg. He was the

author of the twin commentaries Perisha and Derisha on the Tur. Perisha is a straight forwarded explanation of the Tur, tracing the rulings to its sources.

Derisha - Rav Yehoshua Falk Katz (1550-1614) Rav Yehoshua Talk Katz wrote Derisha, deeper discussions of specific issues,

extensive analysis and comparison of the various interpretations and decisions proposed by various Talmudic authorities.

Rabbi Falk spent his early life composing extensive analytical commentaries on the Talmud, which were later lost in a fire. He then turned his skills to the careful analysis of practical issues of Jewish observance, focusing on Rabbi Joseph Karo's "Beit Yosef" and "Shulhan Arukh."

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ILLUSTRATION - II

TUR

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Text of Shulchan Aruch: Orach Chaim - Rabbi Yosef Karo & Rabbi Moshe Isserles Taz - Rabbi Dovid ben Shmuel HaLevi (1586-1667)

Son-in-law of the Bach, he was the Rav of Posen. Author of the Turei Zahav (Golden Rows) a major commentary on most of Shulchan Aruch. He attempted to reestablish the original decisions of Rabbi Yosef Karo, refuting criticisms and bringing order to the commentaries. He often disagreed with the Shach.

Magen Avrohom - Rabbi Avrohom Gombiner (1637-1683)One of the main commentaries to the Shulchan Aruch. He also authored a commentary to

the works of the Ba'alei Tosafot on Seder Nezikin. Machtzis HaShekel – Rabbi Shmuel ben Natan HaLevi Klein (1724-1806) Shaari Teshuvah – Rabbi Chaim Mordechai Margolis

“Gates of Repentance”, provides a digest of responsa written after the Shulchan Aruch. Be’er Heitiv – Rabbi Yehudah ben Shimon Askenazi (1730-1770)

Maggid of Lvov and Rabbi of Frankfort Hagahas Rak”a – Rabbi Akiva Eiger (1761-1837)

Major rabbinical figure in Hungary. His many works included commentaries and glosses on the Talmud, a commentary on the Shulchan Aruch, a set of responsa, and the Gilyon HaShas, a minor commentary on the Talmud which references sources around the Talmud and now appears on the standard page of the Babylonian Talmud. Among his many students was Rav Tzvi Hirsch Kalischer, one of the early Rabbis of Neo-Orthodoxy (the forerunner of today's Orthodox Judaism).

Beiur HaGra – Rabbi Eliyahu ben Shlomo Zalman “Vilna Gaon” (1720-1797)Known as the Vilna Gaon or G"RA, is one of the most dominating figures of halachic

Judaism since the Shulchan Aruch. Born in Brisk (Brest-Litovsk), he was the author of countless works in all areas of Rabbinic literature, including Aderet Eliyahu on the Torah, a commentary on the Mishna, and commentaries on both the Babylonian and Palestinian Talmuds. He also wrote commentaries on the Mishne Torah, as well as on the Shulchan Aruch. Demonstrating his versatility and familiarity with all areas of Jewish knowledge, he penned a work on the Sefer Yetzirah, one of the main kabbalistic books.

Levush Sgrad (Robes of Office) – Rabbid Dovid Shlomo Eibeschutz ( -1806) Yad Ephraim – Rabbi Ephraim Zalman (1762-1828)

One of the greatest Talmudic scholars of his time. In his youth he served briefly in the rabbinate but then settled in Brody and went into business. Though highly successful financially, his main interest remained Torah learning and scholarship and his many published works established him in the first rank of scholars. Rabbi Ephraim became the rare prototype of one who successfully combined great wealth with great learning. He was also well-versed in Kabbalah. He was involved in a controversy with Rabbi Levi Isaac of Berdichev over Yehoshua Heschel Zoref’s book HaZoref. Rabbi Ephraim demonstrated its Shabbatean character and was thus able to prevent its publication. Rabbi Ephraim’s most popular work is the Mateh Ephraim containing the laws of Elul and Tishrei, the Torah readings, the aliyos, mi she'berachs, and related subjects. Some have the custom to begin studying this work on 24th of Av, his yahrzeit, continuing through the High Holidays.

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ILLUSTRATION - III

SHULCHAN ARUCH – ORACH CHAIM

Text of Shulchan Aruch: Yoreh Deah - Rabbi Yosef Karo & Rabbi Moshe Isserles Taz - Rabbi Dovid ben Shmuel HaLevi (1586-1667)

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Son-in-law of the Bach, he was the Rav of Posen. Author of the Turei Zahav (Golden Rows) a major commentary on most of Shulchan Aruch. He attempted to reestablish the original decisions of Rabbi Yosef Karo, refuting criticisms and bringing order to the commentaries. He often disagreed with the Shach.

Sifsei HaChachumim “Shach” - Rabbi Shabse ben Meir HaCohen (1622-1663)Rav Shabbtai ben Meir HaKohein was born in Vilna. His main work Siftei Kohein, is one

of the two main commentaries on the Shulchan Aruch (along with Taz). He also authored the Nekudot HaKesef, a response to the Taz (the name of this work is a pun on Shir HaShirim 1:11).

Beiur HaGra – Rabbi Eliyahu ben Shlomo Zalman “Vilna Gaon” (1720-1797)Rav Eliyahu ben Shlomo Zalman of Vilna, known as the Vilna Gaon or G"RA, is one of

the most dominating figures of halachic Judaism since the Shulchan Aruch. Born in Brisk (Brest-Litovsk), he was the author of countless works in all areas of Rabbinic literature, including Aderet Eliyahu on the Torah, a commentary on the Mishna, and commentaries on both the Babylonian and Palestinian Talmuds. He also wrote commentaries on the Mishne Torah, as well as on the Shulchan Aruch. Demonstrating his versatility and familiarity with all areas of Jewish knowledge, he penned a work on the Sefer Yetzirah, one of the main kabbalistic books. He was the student of the Pnei Moshe, as the teacher of, among others, Rav Chaim Soloveitchik of Volozhin

Chidushi Rak”a – Rabbi Akiva Eiger (1761-1837)Rav Akiva ben Moshe Eiger was born in Hungary. His many works included

commentaries and glosses on the Talmud, a commentary on the Shulchan Aruch, a set of responsa, and the Gilyon HaShas, a minor commentary on the Talmud which references sources around the Talmud and now appears on the standard page of the Babylonian Talmud. Among his many students was Rav Tzvi Hirsch Kalischer, one of the early Rabbis of Neo-Orthodoxy (the forerunner of today's Orthodox Judaism). He passed away in Posen.

Be’er Heitiv – Rabbi Yehudah ben Shimon Askenazi (1730-1770)Maggid of Lvov and Rabbi of Frankfort

Pischei Teshuvah – Rav Tzvi Hirsch ben Yaacov Eisenstadt (1813-1863)Rav of Utian. Pischei Teshuvah (Opportunities of repentance) a supplement to the

Shulchan Aruch providing the current responsa after its publication. Pri Megadim – Rav Yosef ben Meir Teumim (1727-1792)

At the age of 18 he published his father's sefer with his own chidushim at the end.  At age 30 he moved to Komarna where he taught little children, and eventually became a well known Posek.

At age 40 he spent three years in Berlin where he wanted to focus on writing his sefer in solitude.  When he was discovered and many people started to come to ask him shailos he realized he would not be able to accomplish what he had set out to do in Berlin under these circumstances.  He therefore pretended not to understand anything often asking the litigants before him to explain him over and over again the arguments.  At the end he would issue a Psak that clearly showed he didn't understand what they were talking about.  This worked as people stopped coming to him.

In 1770 his father was niftar and was called back to L'vov to take up his father's position.  Since he has not completed the Pri Megadim he refused the offer.  Two years later he was appointed Rosh Yeshiva in Berlin a role which he served for two years before finally going back to L'vov. 

Aside from the Pri Megadim he also wrote seforim on Shas - Rosh Yosef, Chumash - Magid, Teivas Gomeh and other seforim. He also wrote a famous letter despondent over the fact that people do not learn Chumash and Tanach and that Lashon HaKodesh is almost completely forgotten

ILLUSTRATION - IV

SHULCHAN ARUCH – YOREH DEAH27

Text of Shulchan Aruch: Even HaEzer - Rabbi Yosef Karo & Rabbi Moshe Isserles28

Bais Shmuel – Rabbi Shmuel Phoebus (1650-1700) Chelkas Mechokek – Rabbi Moshe Lim (1605-1658)

Chelkas Mechokek (A Portion of a Ruler see Devarim 33, 21) was the first commentary written on Even HaEzer. It provides commentary and resolves apparent contridictions. It concludes on paragraph #126 due to the author’s death.

Be’er Heitiv – Rabbi Yehudah ben Shimon Askenazi (1730-1770)Maggid of Lvov and Rabbi of Frankfort

Taz - Rabbi Dovid ben Shmuel HaLevi (1586-1667)Son-in-law of the Bach, he was the Rav of Posen. Author of the Turei Zahav (Golden

Rows) a major commentary on most of Shulchan Aruch. He attempted to reestablish the original decisions of Rabbi Yosef Karo, refuting criticisms and bringing order to the commentaries. He often disagreed with the Shach.

Hagahas Rak”a – Rabbi Akiva Eiger (1761-1837)Rav Akiva ben Moshe Eiger was born in Hungary. His many works included

commentaries and glosses on the Talmud, a commentary on the Shulchan Aruch, a set of responsa, and the Gilyon HaShas, a minor commentary on the Talmud which references sources around the Talmud and now appears on the standard page of the Babylonian Talmud. Among his many students was Rav Tzvi Hirsch Kalischer, one of the early Rabbis of Neo-Orthodoxy (the forerunner of today's Orthodox Judaism). He passed away in Posen.

Beiur HaGra – Rabbi Eliyahu ben Shlomo Zalman “Vilna Gaon” (1720-1797)Rav Eliyahu ben Shlomo Zalman of Vilna, known as the Vilna Gaon or G"RA, is one of

the most dominating figures of halachic Judaism since the Shulchan Aruch. Born in Brisk (Brest-Litovsk), he was the author of countless works in all areas of Rabbinic literature, including Aderet Eliyahu on the Torah, a commentary on the Mishna, and commentaries on both the Babylonian and Palestinian Talmuds. He also wrote commentaries on the Mishne Torah, as well as on the Shulchan Aruch. Demonstrating his versatility and familiarity with all areas of Jewish knowledge, he penned a work on the Sefer Yetzirah, one of the main kabbalistic books. He was the student of the Pnei Moshe, as the teacher of, among others, Rav Chaim Soloveitchik of Volozhin

Pri Megadim – Rav Yosef ben Meir Teumim (1727-1792)Two-part commentary on Shulchan Aruch. Also author of Rosh Yosef, chidushim on

several parts of Talmud. Ezer Mekodesh – Rabbi Avrohom Dovid Wahrman (1771-1841)

Also authored Eshel Avrohom to Orach Chaim and Kesef HaDedoshim to Choshen Mishpat

ILLUSTRATION - V29

SHULCHAN ARUCH – EVEN HAEZER

Text of Shulchan Aruch: Choshen Mishpat - Rabbi Yosef Karo & Rabbi Moshe Isserles Me’iras Einayim – Rabbi Yeshoshua Falk (1150-1614) Sifsei HaChachumim “Shach” - Rabbi Shabse ben Meir HaCohen (1622-1663)

Rav Shabbtai ben Meir HaKohein was born in Vilna. His main work Siftei Kohein, is one of the two main commentaries on the Shulchan Aruch (along with Taz). He also

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authored the Nekudot HaKesef, a response to the Taz (the name of this work is a pun on Shir HaShirim 1:11).

Beiur HaGra – Rabbi Eliyahu ben Shlomo Zalman “Vilna Gaon” (1720-1797)Rav Eliyahu ben Shlomo Zalman of Vilna, known as the Vilna Gaon or G"RA, is one of

the most dominating figures of halachic Judaism since the Shulchan Aruch. Born in Brisk (Brest-Litovsk), he was the author of countless works in all areas of Rabbinic literature, including Aderet Eliyahu on the Torah, a commentary on the Mishna, and commentaries on both the Babylonian and Palestinian Talmuds. He also wrote commentaries on the Mishne Torah, as well as on the Shulchan Aruch. Demonstrating his versatility and familiarity with all areas of Jewish knowledge, he penned a work on the Sefer Yetzirah, one of the main kabbalistic books. He was the student of the Pnei Moshe, as the teacher of, among others, Rav Chaim Soloveitchik of Volozhin

Taz - Rabbi Dovid ben Shmuel HaLevi (1586-1667)Son-in-law of the Bach, he was the Rav of Posen. Author of the Turei Zahav (Golden

Rows) a major commentary on most of Shulchan Aruch. He attempted to reestablish the original decisions of Rabbi Yosef Karo, refuting criticisms and bringing order to the commentaries. He often disagreed with the Shach.

Be’er Heitiv – Rabbi Yehudah ben Shimon Askenazi (1730-1770)Maggid of Lvov and Rabbi of Frankfort

Pischei Teshuvah – Rav Tzvi Hirsch ben Yaacov Eisenstadt (1813-1863)Rav of Utian. Pischei Teshuvah (Opportunities of repentance) a supplement to the

Shulchan Aruch providing the current responsa after its publication. Nesivas HaMishpat - Rabbi Yaacov ben Yaacov Moshe of Lissa (1759-1832)

“Path of Justice” (Mishlei 8, 20) has one section called Beiurim, devoted to a straight forward explanation, and a second section called Chidushim, an extensive discussion of various topics. Also authored Chavas Deas on Yoreh Deah, Derech Chaim (a siddur with compilation of various daily laws) and about 15 other books.

Chidushei HaPhla’ah – Rabbi Pinchas haLevi HorowitzChief Rabbi of Frankfort, was very active in opposing the early Reform movement

Ketzos HaChoshen – Rabbi Aryeh Leib ben Yosef haCohen Heller (1745-1813)Also authored Avneim Meluim on Even haEzer and Shev Shmatsa on Talmud.The story is told that after completing the Ketzos HaChoshen at the age of 40, Rav Aryeh Leib went to Rav Tzvi Hirsh Boshka to receive a haskama.  Skeptical that that this young Talmid Chochom could add anything novel, he asked him to leave the sefer and come back the next day.  The next day before mincha, Rav Aryeh Leib heard an announcement that there will be Sefer Torah dedication that evening with the procession going from the Rov's house.  During the procession Rav Aryeh Leib came near the Torah hoping to have a chance to carry it.  As he came up to the Torah, the Rov lifted the cover of the Torah and lo and behold, underneath was not a Torah. It was the manuscript that Rav Aryeh Leib gave the Rov the night before, a living Sefer Torah.

ILLUSTRATION - VI

SHULCHAN ARUCH – CHOSHEN MISHPAT

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PARTIAL BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kaplan, Aryeh THE HANDBOOK OF JEWISH THOUGHT

Schimmel, H. Chaim THE ORAL LAW

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Fendel, Zechariah LEGACY OF SINAI

Fendel, Zechariah CHARTING THE MESORAH

Bendory, Dovid THE UNBROKEN CHAIN OF TORAH

Kantor, Mattis CODEX JUDAICA, CHRONOLOGICAL INDEX OF JEWISH HISTORY

Artscroll History Series THE RISHONIM

Artscroll History Series THE EARLY ACHARONIM

Biographies of Gedolim  http://www.tzemachdovid.org/gedolim/index._alphabetical.html

Mini-Biographies of Gedolim http://www.chaburas.org/

Biographies of Rabbis  http://www.ou.org/about/judaism/rabbis/default.htm

Lewittes, Mendel JEWISH LAW: AN INTRODUCTION

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