Sforim

Sforim, transliterated also as sfarim or seforim, is the Hebrew plural form of sefer, meaning books. In Jewish usage, sforim denotes the body of Jewish religious literature and is often used to refer to sacred or scholarly works rather than secular writings. The term highlights the distinction between rabbinic and biblical literature and other kinds of books.

The scope of sforim includes the canonical scriptures and a vast spectrum of rabbinic and post-biblical writings. Core components are the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible), the Mishnah and Gemara (the Talmud and its commentaries), and Midrashic literature. Halakhic codifications, such as the Tur and the Shulchan Aruch, along with their medieval and later commentaries, are also regarded as sforim. Additional categories include responsa literature, ethical and Mussar works, Jewish philosophy, kabbalistic and mystical works, and, in modern times, a wide range of Jewish theological, historical, literary, and fictional works produced for religious or scholarly purposes. In common usage, the term can also refer to Jewish books more generally, especially those of religious or scholarly character.

Historically, sforim have been produced and transmitted through manuscripts and printed editions across centuries and regions, with major centers of Jewish learning and publishing in Europe, the Middle East, and, in modern times, Israel. In academic and bibliographic contexts, sforim are organized by author, tractate or work, edition, and publisher, reflecting their long and diverse transmission. See also: Sefer, Tanakh, Talmud, Shulchan Aruch, Halakha.