We often think of Jewish law, or halacha as a rule book that was written and published thousands of years ago. In truth, it is made up of many different texts, some of which are still being written or amended today.
The Importance of Jewish Law
The significance of halacha (or halakha) can be found in the origin of its name. The Hebrew word comes from the same root as the words "to walk" and "path," suggesting that in earlier days Jewish law was seen as a road, or path that one followed for a greater purpose.
But the rules that were said to have been given to the Israelites on Mount Sinai by G-d* hold even more importance. The root - haay-lamed-chof can also be found in the Hebrew word for "to carry", "mood" and (not surprisingly), "practice."
Thus, halakha can be thought of as something that carries or guides us along a given path, whose purpose requires both practice and the right frame of mind. Some may even argue that following the laws of Judaism create the mood, or mindset that is necessary for a successful Jewish life.
Halacha and the 21st Century
But what part does life in the 21st century play in determining the importance of those rules?
Haredi (also sometimes referred to as "ultra-Orthodox" Jews) and traditional Orthodox Jews would say that it isn't up to us to determine whether G-d's laws fit into our lifestyle, but to live our lives in a way that honors G-d's commandments. If Jewish law states that a Jew should cease work at dusk on the Shabbat, then it is up to the individual to find employment that allows for that mitzvah; if the Talmud states we should pray three times a day, then it is our job to follow those rules.
Halakha therefore, provides a critical structure for a Jewish life. In fact, it could be said that it defines what it means to be a Jew. For the sages - and indeed for the contemporary Orthodox Jew - every aspect, from how one rises and starts the day, to how one prepares food for consumption was, and is predetermined by Judaism's exacting rules.
But Judaism's list of mitzvot, or commandments, weren't all determined at the same time. They evolved over time, and often with much debate and hand wringing. Classic examples of these debates are encapsulated in the Mishnah and the Babylonian Talmud. They are also found in such classic works as the Shulchan Aruch, which addresses kashrut (kosher living), prayer, financial issues, marriage and divorce, and Maimonides' expansive Mishneh Torah.
And they are still being determined today.
Jewish customs can be traced to rabbinical decisions today that affect how Jews handle contemporary issues, such as whether it is appropriate to give candy on Valentine's Day, whether Jews should celebrate Thanksgiving, and whether it is appropriate to 'trick or treat' on Halloween.
"Even when we say that all the Law - Written and Oral - was revealed at Mount Sinai, what we really mean is that the basis of all Jewish Law is found in the Torah and in the principles of interpretation that govern how that Torah is to be interpreted," writes Rabbi Joel Hammer, who oversees the Rabbinical Court of the Masorti Movement and the Rabbinical Council of Israel.
Just like the secular legal system, Judaism's hierarchy of laws are continually being built upon. While many would argue that halacha is divinely given, unchanging and ancient in origin, others can point to circumstances in which the rules and boundaries that support Judaism are compelled to change to meet the needs of an ever-evolving world.
*The use of "G-d" with the "o" removed is intentional. This is performed in order to prevent any intentional or unintentional deletion/destruction of His name, as is customary in traditional Jewish writings.
Additional Sources:
Torah.org:Jewish Law
Jewishvirtuallibrary.org: Halakha/Aggadata/Midrash
Jan Lee - Jan Lee has been writing for online and print publications for more than 20 years and have been published in five countries.
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