Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2010

Publication Title

Milestone Documents in World Religions: Exploring Traditions of Faith Through Primary Sources

Volume

2

Pages

958-971

Abstract

[First Paragraph] The Shulchan Arukh, literally translated as "The Set Table," is a compilation of Jewish legal codes. Written in the sixteenth century, it represents the first codification of Jewish law that is universally accepted by religiously observant Jews. It encompasses laws observed by both Ashkenazic Jews, those with German and eastern European roots, and Sephardic Jews, those with Spanish and Middle Eastern roots. Rabbi Yosef Karo composed the work in an effort to provide an authoritative legal text that would help to guide Jews in properly observing religious obligations. Although he composed the text before subdivisions of Judaism existed, the Shulchan Arukh persists as the most important document for Orthodox Jews. Its text expounds upon the legal code, and its importance indicates the significance of religious laws in the lives of observant Jews.

Comments

This is a book chapter originally printed in Milestone Documents in World Religions: Exploring Traditions of Faith Through Primary Sources, by editor David M. Fahey.

© The Schlager Group

Posted with the permission of the chapter's author and the publisher.

Original Publication Citation

Milligan, A. (2010). Shulchan Arukh. In D. M. Fahey (Ed.), Milestone documents in world religions: Exploring traditions of faith through primary sources (Vol. 2, pp. 958-971). Dallas: Schlager Group:.

Share

COinS