Arba'ah Turim

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Arba'ah Turim (Hebrew: אַרְבַּעָה טוּרִים), often referred to as the Tur, is a comprehensive compilation of Jewish law written by Rabbi Jacob ben Asher (c. 1270–1343). The work is significant in the history of Halakha (Jewish legal tradition) as it laid the groundwork for later codes, most notably the Shulchan Aruch by Rabbi Joseph Caro. The title "Arba'ah Turim" translates to "Four Rows," reflecting the work's organization into four sections, each addressing a different area of Jewish law.

Sections

The Arba'ah Turim is divided into four sections, each named after a term from the Mishnah or Talmud that symbolizes the content's nature:

1. Orach Chayim (The Path of Life): Covers laws related to prayer, Sabbath, Jewish holidays, and other daily Jewish rituals.
2. Yoreh De'ah (Teaching Knowledge): Deals with a variety of topics including kosher dietary laws, circumcision, and mourning practices.
3. Even HaEzer (The Stone of Help): Focuses on laws concerning family life, such as marriage and divorce.
4. Choshen Mishpat (The Breastplate of Judgment): Addresses civil and criminal law, including financial transactions, inheritance, and court procedures.

Background

Jacob ben Asher, also known as Ba'al HaTurim, was born in Germany and later moved to Spain. His father, Rabbi Asher ben Jehiel (the Rosh), was a prominent Talmudic scholar, and Jacob ben Asher's work reflects a synthesis of his father's teachings and the broader Talmudic and Halakhic discussions of his time. The Arba'ah Turim was revolutionary in its systematic approach to Jewish law, organizing the vast array of laws and opinions in a clear, accessible manner.

Influence

The Arba'ah Turim's structure and content significantly influenced subsequent Jewish legal works. Rabbi Joseph Caro, in his seminal code, the Shulchan Aruch, used the Tur as a foundation, often following its organization and citing it extensively. The Tur, therefore, remains a critical text for study in yeshivas (Jewish religious schools) and for anyone delving into Jewish law.

Commentaries and Supercommentaries

Over the centuries, numerous commentaries and supercommentaries have been written on the Arba'ah Turim, attesting to its enduring relevance and importance in Jewish legal scholarship. Among the most famous commentaries is the Beit Yosef by Rabbi Joseph Caro, which critically analyzes the sources cited by the Tur and offers insights from other Halakhic works. Other notable commentaries include the Bach (Bayit Chadash) by Rabbi Joel Sirkis, the Taz (Turei Zahav) by Rabbi David Halevi Segal, and the Prisha and Drisha by Rabbi Joshua Falk.

Legacy

The Arba'ah Turim's legacy is evident in its continued study and the vast body of literature it has inspired. It serves not only as a historical document but as a living text, integral to the ongoing discourse of Jewish law and ethics. Its methodical approach to organizing Halakha has set a precedent for all subsequent legal codes within Judaism.