
Halakhah, derived from the Hebrew word meaning "to walk", is the system[3] A comprehensive legal framework of Judaism that governs religious, personal and social practices. Developed through rabbinic literature and codified by scholars such as Maimonides and Joseph Karo, it encompasses rules and traditions that guide Jewish life. Different Jewish movements interpret the Halakhah with varying degrees of rigour: Orthodox Judaism sees it as law[4] while the Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist movements adopt more flexible approaches. In Israel, the Halakhah plays a significant role in politics[1] and religious identity, creating tensions between observant and non-observant Jews. The legal system addresses complex theological and cultural issues, including conversion, religious status and communal practices. Despite varying interpretations, the Halakhah remains a fundamental aspect of the Jewish religious and cultural experience, reflecting the dynamic nature of the tradition[2] Jewish law.
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Halachah (הֲלָכָה; romaniz.: ălāḵā) (/həˈlʌχə/) (/həˈlɑːˈχɑː/) or Halakah; Halachah (Halacha); Halacha (Halaca), in Hebrew Sephardic (/hɑlɑˈxɔt/); Hebrew Ashkenazi (/hɑlɔˈxoʊs/) or in the plural (Halakot or Halachot; Halacot; Halachots or Halacas) is a noun derived from the radical Halak (הָלַך; romaniz.: alac - go, floor), is known as Jewish law (but in a more literal translation it means way).
In TorahThe good life is often referred to as the way man should "go", for example Exodus 18:20-'show them the way where they should go and the work they must do'.
In a specific sense, the word álacá is used in contrast to aggadá (non-legal material from rabbinic literature), thus referring to the orientation, habit, custom, way of acting; practices (which encompass the personal, social, national, foreign relations and all observances) of Judaism.
Originally this term was used in a decision (law), particularly in a given example such as the expression "in Sinai" (halakhah le-msha mi-sinai*). With the continued use of this reference, the term Halakhah became generic for the entire legal system of laws and observances in the Judaism. Sometimes it is used by rabbis as "tradition", for example, when they said: "If this is halachah (i.e. tradition) we'll accept it, but if it's a din (i.e. argument) we will question."
An ordered, topical presentation of the rabbinic tradition appears in the Mishnah Torah (Repetition of the law) by Maimonides (also known as Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, or Rambam, 1135 - 1204). And the essential guide to the commandments to be followed in daily life is the Shulkhan Arukh (Prepared Table) by Yosef Karo (1488 - 1575).
Modern works also use the term "midrash halachah", covering interpretations, discussions and controversies related to the legal part of the Scriptures.