Halachot: Hagim by Rabbi Yitzhak Berdugo

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A compendium of the rulings of the great Sephardic authorities

Halachah has always been a cornerstone of Sephardic Jewry.

The first halachic work rooted solely in the practical conclusions of the Talmud was Sefer Hahalachot by the Rif (Rabbi Yitzhak Alfasi). His groundbreaking work presented the practical rulings of the Gemara in a clear and definitive fashion, revolutionizing halachic study.

Building on this foundation, the Rambam (Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon) codified every halachah―relevant both to contemporary times and the future Messianic era―in his monumental Mishneh Torah. Written in a systematic and accessible format, scholars and laypeople alike were able grasp the intricacies of halachah.

As Jewish communities began to diverge in their halachic practices, Rabbi Yosef Karo, affectionately known as Maran (“our master”), compiled the Shulchan Aruch. His goal was to unify and clarify halachic observance, ensuring that all of Israel can follow a clear path in Torah practice.

Halachot: A Compendium of the Rulings of the Great Sephardic Authorities follows this time-honored tradition, presenting the great Sephardic halachic opinions in a manner that is well-defined, practical, and easy to absorb.

Year first published: 2025