# Shulchan Aruch

> book of Jewish law by Rabbi Joseph Karo

**Wikidata**: [Q822206](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q822206)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shulchan_Aruch)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shulchan-aruch

## Summary
*Shulchan Aruch* is a foundational book of Jewish law compiled by Rabbi Joseph Karo in 1565, serving as a comprehensive codification of Jewish legal principles. It is structured into four sections—*Even Ha'ezer*, *Orach Chayim*, *Yoreh De'ah*, and *Choshen Mishpat*—and remains a cornerstone of Halakha (Jewish law).

## Key Facts
- **Author**: Rabbi Joseph ben Ephraim Karo (1488–1575), a Spanish rabbi and legal scholar.
- **Publication Date**: 1565.
- **Classification**: Literary work and religious text.
- **Sections**:
  - *Even Ha'ezer*
  - *Orach Chayim*
  - *Yoreh De'ah*
  - *Choshen Mishpat*
- **Preceded by**: *Beit Yosef*, a commentary on *Arba'ah Turim*.
- **Related Works**: *Arba Turim*, a collection of Jewish legal rulings.
- **Sitelink Count**: 34 (indicating widespread recognition in knowledge bases).

## FAQs
- **What is Shulchan Aruch?**
  It is a codified Jewish legal code compiled by Rabbi Joseph Karo in 1565, structured into four sections and serving as a primary source of Halakha.

- **Who wrote Shulchan Aruch?**
  Rabbi Joseph ben Ephraim Karo, a 16th-century Spanish rabbi and legal scholar.

- **What are the sections of Shulchan Aruch?**
  The book is divided into *Even Ha'ezer*, *Orach Chayim*, *Yoreh De'ah*, and *Choshen Mishpat*.

- **What precedes Shulchan Aruch?**
  *Beit Yosef*, a commentary on *Arba'ah Turim*, influenced its development.

- **Is Shulchan Aruch a religious text?**
  Yes, it is classified as both a literary work and a religious text.

## Why It Matters
*Shulchan Aruch* is the most authoritative and widely used codification of Jewish law, shaping religious practice for centuries. Its systematic organization of Halakha provides a framework for Jewish legal reasoning and remains a foundational text in Jewish education and observance. Its influence extends beyond legal scholarship, serving as a reference for ethical and communal guidelines in Jewish life.

## Notable For
- **Codification of Jewish Law**: First comprehensive compilation of Halakha in its structured format.
- **Four-Section Structure**: Organized into *Even Ha'ezer*, *Orach Chayim*, *Yoreh De'ah*, and *Choshen Mishpat*, each addressing distinct legal domains.
- **Influence on Jewish Practice**: Serves as a primary source for Halakha, guiding religious decisions and customs.
- **Historical Significance**: Compiled in 1565, it reflects the legal consensus of the time and remains relevant today.

## Body
### History
*Shulchan Aruch* was compiled by Rabbi Joseph Karo in 1565, synthesizing earlier legal works. It emerged as a response to the *Beit Yosef*, a commentary on *Arba'ah Turim*, and became the definitive legal code for Ashkenazi Jews. Karo's work standardized Jewish law, making it accessible and authoritative.

### Structure
The book is divided into four sections:
- *Even Ha'ezer*: Addresses general principles of Jewish law.
- *Orach Chayim*: Covers daily rituals and practices.
- *Yoreh De'ah*: Deals with ethical and philosophical questions.
- *Choshen Mishpat*: Focuses on civil and criminal law.

### Influence
*Shulchan Aruch* has been the primary source of Jewish legal guidance for over 450 years. Its sections are studied in yeshivas and synagogues worldwide, ensuring its continued relevance. The work's clarity and organization have made it indispensable for both scholars and laypeople.

### Related Works
- *Arba Turim*: A collection of Jewish legal rulings that influenced *Shulchan Aruch*.
- *Beit Yosef*: A commentary on *Arba'ah Turim* that preceded *Shulchan Aruch*.

### Classification
*Shulchan Aruch* is classified as both a literary work and a religious text, reflecting its dual role as a scholarly resource and a foundational religious document. Its sitelink count of 34 indicates its widespread recognition in knowledge bases.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Quora