Responsa

[ ri-spon-suh ]

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.

responsa

/ rɪˈspɒnsə /

noun

1. the plural of responsum
2. that part of rabbinic literature concerned with written rulings in answer to questions

Word History and Origins

Origin of Responsa¹

1895–1900; < New Latin; plural of responsum

Example Sentences

Their decisions, known as responsa, can sometimes be lenient and other times strict.

From Seattle Times

Many of the responsa contend with the complications of holding prayers — which traditionally require a quorum of 10 adult men — outdoors and in a manner that complies with social distance regulations.

From Seattle Times

Many of the responsa contend with the complications of holding prayers - which traditionally require a quorum of 10 adult men - outdoors and in a manner that complies with social distance regulations.

From Washington Times

Their decisions, known as responsa, can sometimes be lenient and other times strict.

From Washington Times

Jewish law — as laid out in the Torah, the Talmud and the “responsa,” rabbinic wisdom gathered across centuries — teaches that human life starts at birth rather than conception, according to Fischer.

From Washington Post