Posek

The decision of a posek is known as a psak din or psak halakha ("ruling of law"; pl. piskei din, piskei halakha) or simply a "psak". In Hebrew, פסק is the root implying to "stop" or "cease"—the posek brings the process of legal debate to finality. Piskei din are generally recorded in the responsa literature.

Formulating a ruling (psak din)

The process of analysis usually entails today: #an initial study of the relevant Talmudic Sugyas with commentaries; #tracing the development of all related material in the Rishonim (Medieval rabbinic authorities prior to the Shulkhan Aruch) through the Shulkhan Arukh, #and finally, a close analysis of the works of the Acharonim (rabbinic authorities from about the 16th century onwards) discussing the halakha as recorded in the literature of the Rishonim (and earlier Acharonim).

The ruling itself is an attempt to apply the precedents and principles of the Tradition to the question being asked. One common goal of poskim in this respect is to be consistent with as many relevant legal precedents as possible recorded in the responsa literature, and codified law.

The role of the Posek

Poskim play an integral role in Haredi Judaism and Orthodox Judaism. Particularly in the Haredi world, each community will regard one of its poskim as its Posek HaDor ("Posek of the present Generation"). For Lithuanian-style Haredi world it is probably Rav Yosef Shalom Eliashiv. For the Sephardi Jews it is probably Rav Ovadia Yosef. Hasidic Jews rely on the Rov in there community (sometimes but not always Rebbes also get the position as Rov) or leading posek recommended by their Rebbes. Yet there are some Jews that are Hasidic but are not part of a specific movement these hassidim will vary in who they follow sometimes following generic hassid-style poskim like Rav Shmuel Wosner. Modern Orthodox Jews may select a posek on a more individual rather than a communal basis, although customs vary.

List of poskim and major works

Poskim of past years

Living Poskim

See also

References

** * Category:Orthodox rabbinic roles and titles Category:Jewish law Category:Hebrew words and phrases Category:Region-specific legal occupations