<P> Halakha , the rabbinic Jewish way of life , then , is based on a combined reading of the Torah , and the oral tradition -- the Mishnah , the halakhic Midrash , the Talmud and its commentaries . The Halakha has developed slowly , through a precedent - based system . The literature of questions to rabbis , and their considered answers , is referred to as responsa ( in Hebrew , Sheelot U-Teshuvot . ) Over time , as practices develop , codes of Jewish law are written that are based on the responsa ; the most important code , the Shulchan Aruch , largely determines Orthodox religious practice today . </P>
<P> Halakha , the rabbinic Jewish way of life , then , is based on a combined reading of the Torah , and the oral tradition -- the Mishnah , the halakhic Midrash , the Talmud and its commentaries . The Halakha has developed slowly , through a precedent - based system . The literature of questions to rabbis , and their considered answers , is referred to as responsa ( in Hebrew , Sheelot U-Teshuvot . ) Over time , as practices develop , codes of Jewish law are written that are based on the responsa ; the most important code , the Shulchan Aruch , largely determines Orthodox religious practice today . </P>
what is the name of the most important jewish text
what is the name of the most important jewish text
the Shulchan Aruch
the Shulchan Aruch