Codes of Jewish law may look similar, but they represent very different ways of thinking about the law.

For more than four centuries, Jewish life has been based on a code of law written by Joseph Caro, his Shulḥan `aruk ['set table']. The work was an immediate best-seller because it presented the law in a clear and concise format. Caro's work, however, was methodologically problematic and was widely criticized in the first generations after its publication. In this volume, Edward Fram examines Caro's methods as well as those of two of his contemporaries, Moses Isserles and Solomon Luria. He highlights criticisms of Caro's legal thought and brings alternative methodologies to the fore. He also compares these three jurists, while placing their methods, and cases in their historical, intellectual, and religious contexts. Fram's volume ultimately explains why Caro's methodologically problematic work won the day, while more sophisticated approaches remained points of legal reference but fell short of achieving the acceptance that their authors hoped for.

Discover "The Code of Jewish Law," a transformative guide that offers practical wisdom through everyday tasks and traditions. This text is an abbreviated translation of the 16th-century work and follows the original structure while making it accessible to readers of all levels, even beginners. This journey began when the author encountered this authoritative work, embarking on a mission to make its over 2,500 rules brief and easy for contemporary readers and a website, TheCodeOfJewishLaw.com, for access and ease of navigating the book. In this book, practical guidance is offered, reminding us of our responsibilities to ourselves, to one another, and to our faith, all while maintaining reverence for the source. Whether you're new to Jewish law or seeking deeper understanding, this book bridges tradition and contemporary life, inspiring exploration and observance. Grounded in the same organization, The Code of Jewish Law includes over 2,500 hundred specific rules enumerated as is the original. "The Code of Jewish Law," commonly known as the "Shulchan Aruch," was written by Rabbi Joseph Caro in the 16th century. The Shulchan Aruch codifies Jewish law and custom and has become a fundamental text in Jewish practice. Rabbi Caro completed it in 1563, and it was first published in Venice in 1565. The work consolidates material from the Talmud and later legal opinions to provide a practical and legal guide for both community leaders and laypeople of every age.