Q&A: Studying a Talmudic Topic Through to Jewish Law
Studying a Talmudic Topic Through to Jewish Law
Question
I’ve seen in several places that the Rabbi said one should study a topic with the goal of understanding what the Jewish law is. Does the Rabbi mean only that one should try to decide which understanding of the Talmud, or which approach among the medieval authorities (Rishonim), seems most correct to me within the topic—or should/is it also worthwhile in practice to study the Tur, Beit Yosef, Shulchan Arukh, and Mishnah Berurah as well (even in topics from Nashim and Nezikin)?
Answer
It is worth seeing as many commentators as possible, but in the end you should decide what seems correct to you in terms of Jewish law. There is no especially recommended list of books, and there is no obligation to consult any particular list. But the major halakhic decisors are certainly a proper foundation, and it is not advisable to issue a halakhic ruling without them.