Shulkhan Arukh

The Shulkhan Arukh (Hebrew: "Prepared Table"), by Rabbi Yosef Karo is considered the most authoritative compilation of Jewish law since the Talmud. With its commentaries, it is the main authoratitive source of halakha (Jewish law and custom) and often referred to as the Code of Jewish Law.

Commentaries

A large body of commentaries has appeared on the Shulkhan Arukh. The first, Sefer Me'irath Enayim (on Choshen Mishpat, abbreviated as Sema) appeared several decades after the main work. Important works by the later authorities (acharonim) are:

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• Magen Avraham ("Abraham's shield") by Rabbi Avraham Gombiner (on Orach Chayim)
• Turei Zahav ("Rows of Gold", abbreviated as Taz) by Rabbi David HaLevi Segal (on Orach Chayim, Yorei Deah and Even ha-Ezer)
• Siftei Kohen ("The Lips of the Kohen", abbreviated as Shach) by Rabbi Sabbatai ha-Kohen (on Yorei Deah and Choshen Mishpat)
• Beth Shmuel and Chelkath ha-Mechokek (on Even ha-Ezer)
• Machazit HaShekel ("The collection of a yearly coin for the purpose of a census in ancient Israel") by Rabbi Samuel Neta HaLevi.

A wealth of other later works includes Ketzoth ha-Choshen and Avnei Millu'in, Netivoth ha-Mishpat, the additions of the Vilna Gaon, Rabbi Yechezkel Landau (Dagul Mervavah), Rabbi Akiva Eger and Rabbi Moses Sofer.

Related Topics:
Vilna Gaon - Yechezkel Landau - Moses Sofer

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