שולחן ערוך, אבן העזרShulchan Arukh, Even HaEzer
The Shulchan Arukh (“Set Table”) is the most widely accepted code of Jewish law ever written. Compiled in the 16th century by Rabbi Yosef Karo, it is a condensed and simplified version of the Beit Yosef, a commentary that Karo wrote on the Tur. Karo’s rulings are in accordance with Sephardic traditions; the text of the Shulchan Arukh also includes the glosses of Rabbi Moshe Isserles, which cite Ashkenazic traditions. Even HaEzer (“The Stone of Help,” a reference to I Samuel 7:12) is the third of four sections. It discusses family law, focusing on marriage, divorce, and yibbum (levirate marriage), with sections on sexual conduct, procreation, and adultery.The Shulchan Arukh (“Set Table”) is the most widely accepted code of Jewish law ever written. Compiled in the 16th century by Rabbi Yosef Karo, it is a condensed and simplified version of the Beit Yosef, a commentary that Karo wrote on the Tur. Karo’s rulings are in accordance with Sephardic traditions; the text of the Shulchan Arukh also includes the glosses of Rabbi Moshe Isserles, which cite Ashkenazic traditions. Even HaEzer (“The Stone of Help,” a reference to I Samuel 7:12) is the third of four sections. It discusses family law, focusing on marriage, divorce, and yibbum (levirate marriage), with sections on sexual conduct, procreation, and adultery.