posek

A posek is a rabbinic scholar who specializes in Jewish law (halakha) and issues legal rulings on how halakha should be applied to real-world questions. The word comes from psak, meaning a formal decision. A posek’s rulings, known as psak din, interpret and reconcile Talmudic sources, codifications such as the Shulchan Aruch, and later decisors to address contemporary situations.

Poskim work within communities, yeshivas, or rabbinical courts. They respond to specific questions about matters such as Sabbath observance, dietary laws, ritual purity, conversions, business ethics, and modern technologies. Their conclusions are often influential within their community and may be sought by individuals or institutions. Some rulings are treated as binding for a particular community or legal body, while others serve as guidance for broader audiences.

The process of issuing a psak typically involves studying primary sources (Talmud, codes, and responsa), weighing competing views, considering local customs (minhag), and assessing practical implications. Poskim may consult with other authorities or issue written responsa; the resulting rulings reflect a balance of tradition, logic, and community needs.

Historically, the role of the posek developed alongside the evolution of halakhic literature. Foundational codifications by figures such as Maimonides (Rambam) and Yosef Karo (Shulchan Aruch), with later glosses by Moshe Isserles (Rema), shaped the framework for later poskim. In the modern era, prominent poskim include Moshe Feinstein, Ovadia Yosef, and other contemporary authorities who address new questions arising from modern life and technology.

Notable poskim vary by community and tradition, yet all share the core function of interpreting halakha and providing authoritative guidance for Jewish practice.