Responsa

American  

[ri-spon-suh] / rɪˈspɒn sə /

noun

1. the branch of rabbinical literature comprised of authoritative replies in letter form made by noted rabbis or Jewish scholars to questions sent to them concerning Jewish law.

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responsa British  

/ rɪˈspɒnsə /

noun

1. the plural of responsum

2. that part of rabbinic literature concerned with written rulings in answer to questions

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Etymology

Origin of Responsa

1895–1900; < New Latin; plural of responsum

Example Sentences

The Responsa, providing us, as we have seen, with interesting information concerning Rashi's character, are no less important for giving us knowledge of his legal and religious opinions.

From Rashi by Szold, Adele

Philosopher, scholar, didactic poet, and commentator of the Bible, he left authoritative Responsa, Talmudic commentaries, collections of rabbinical jurisprudence, and a Hebrew dictionary, which has been lost.

From Rashi by Szold, Adele

Responsa Juris consultorum de origine gente et nomine Pauli Scaligeri, Colon.

From Notes and Queries, Number 69, February 22, 1851 A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc. by Bell, George

Besides numerous and important Responsa he wrote Talmudic commentaries and a compendium of the Talmud bearing his name.

From Rashi by Szold, Adele

He also collected and edited Rashi's Decisions and Responsa, serving, as it were, as Rashi's literary executor.

From Rashi by Szold, Adele