Q&A: Multiple Opinions
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Multiple Opinions
Question
Hello, honorable Rabbi,
according to whom do we rule when there are multiple opinions? a0
For example, if the Shulchan Arukh says one thing and Maimonides says something else? a0
Answer
There are no fixed rules for this. The Shulchan Arukh is generally given greater weight.
Discussion on Answer
In principle, if you choose a rabbi, it is recommended and customary to stick with that one. Certainly not to choose rulings based on what is convenient. You asked about books, not rabbis that is, you asked what a halakhic decisor is supposed to do.
But is there some kind of logic to it? For example, "make for yourself a rabbi"? If I stick with one rabbi, do I need to stick with him in every halakhic ruling, or is it also possible to move from one halakhic decisor to another if the logic changes from topic to topic?