The Codification of Jewish Law on the Cusp of Modernity

Edward Fram (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel)

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English

Cambridge University Press
28 April 2022

Early modern history: c 1450 to c 1700; Social & cultural history; Judaism: life & practice; Law & society; Legal history

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.

By: Edward Fram (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Israel)
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: New edition
Dimensions: Height: 235mm, Width: 158mm, Spine: 22mm
Weight: 650g
ISBN: 9781316511572
ISBN 10: 131651157X
Pages: 325
Publication Date: 28 April 2022
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Introduction; 1. Joseph Caro and his codification of Jewish law; 2. A difficult beginning; 3. Rabbi Solomon Luria's legal methodology; 4. Rabbi Moses Isserles's responses; 5. Codification and legal creativity; Conclusion.

Edward Fram is Associate Professor of Jewish History and Solly Yellin Chair in Lithuanian and Eastern European Jewish Culture at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. His research focuses on the history of Jewish law in the early modern period. He is the author of several award-winning books including Ideals Face Reality (1997) and A Window on their World: The Rabbinic Court Diary of Rabbi Hayyim Gundersheim, Frankfurt am Main, 1773–1794 (2012).

Reviews for The Codification of Jewish Law on the Cusp of Modernity

'... well written, thoroughly researched, and has a serious prospect to become a classic on the topic in the English language.' Roger S. Kohn, Association of Jewish Libraries Reviews 'Edward Fram's very erudite, well-researched and fascinating work - note the abundance of footnotes and bibliography - thus takes the history of halakhah ... in innovative, creative and fruitful directions.' Jean Baumgarten, Revue des �tudes juives