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

He wrote Responsa     and possibly the Halakot, a collection of legal and ritual     rules.

From Rashi by Szold, Adele

The passage in question is taken from these Responsa, No.394.

From Rashi by Szold, Adele

His liturgical compositions and the short poems with which he sometimes prefaced his Responsa show that he was a clever poet, an imitator of the Spaniards.

From Rashi by Szold, Adele

The Responsa of Rashi dealing with martyrs and converts no doubt sprang from these sad conditions.

From Rashi by Szold, Adele

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

From Rashi by Szold, Adele