Tosafot
This designation refers to the dissenting or alternative halakhic positions presented by the Tosafists (Baalei HaTosafot) and R' Asher ben Yechiel (the Rosh) in medieval Ashkenazi Jewish legal discourse. These scholars engaged in dialectical analysis of Talmudic texts and frequently presented opposing views to those of Rashi and earlier authorities, shaping the development of Ashkenazi halakha. Their methodologies and conclusions were foundational to subsequent codification in the Shulchan Aruch and its glosses.
Works & Contributions (8)
- Beur Halacha 146:2:1
- Tosafot on Berakhot (cited in Mishnah Berurah 3:11 and Aruch HaShulchan 3:6)
- Talmudic commentaries
- Tosefot
Origin
Northern France and Germany (Ashkenaz)
Historical Context
Decisional Profile
Opinions recorded by category
Topic Coverage
Each square represents a topic. Darker squares indicate more opinions recorded in that topic.
Shabbat
Daily Life
Prayer
Blessings
Tzitzit & Tefillin
Pesach
Rosh Hashanah
Yom Kippur
Sukkot
Hanukkah
Purim
Holidays
Fasts & Mourning
Rulings (54)
May one sit within four cubits of someone praying?
Four cubits distance required on all sides, including behind the praying person.
If one was interrupted during prayer, must one return to the beginning or only to where one left off?
[Distinguished between voluntary and forced delays; held that forced delays (onес) require return to…
May one interrupt prayer to respond to Kaddish, Kedusha, or Barchu?
[Discussed whether listening with kavanah truly fulfills the obligation or whether there is a doubt,…
How long must one wait between two consecutive Amidah prayers?
The required wait is the time to walk four amot, as derived from the Yerushalmi.
Is it permitted to recite liturgical poems (piyutim) and krovot during the Amidah prayer?
Piyutim are permitted during the Amidah as communal needs.
Must one open the Torah scroll before reciting the blessing?
L'chatchila (ideally) one should roll up the Torah and close it before blessing, then open it for re…
When should the Torah be rolled up relative to the blessing?
L'chatchila (ideally) one should roll up and close the scroll before the closing blessing to avoid t…
Is it forbidden to speak during Torah reading, even words of Torah?
Some permit learning quietly (in a whisper) during Torah reading
Is it forbidden to hold other sacred writings (Nevi'im, Ketuvim) with bare hands?
The prohibition to hold sacred texts bare-handed applies equally to all sacred writings (all of Tana…
Does a prior stipulation (tenai) at the time of building allow secular use of a synagogue after its destruction?
The condition is effective only after destruction, not while standing. While the synagogue is active…
What is the minimum duration of a pause between netilat yadayim and Hamotzi that constitutes a halakhic hefsek (interruption)?
A pause of the time equivalent to walking 22 amot constitutes a definite hefsek between netilat yada…
Does blessing on bread (Hamotzi) exempt wine drunk before the meal from requiring after-blessing?
Hamotzi exempts wine consumed before the meal because pre-meal wine comes to arouse appetite for foo…
What is the precise definition of 'parperot' (appetizer) and 'maaseh kdera' (cooked dish) for purposes of blessing exemptions?
'Parperot' includes bread soaked in a bowl of liquid without retaining bread form, blessed with Bore…
Does changing physical location during a bread meal require retroactive blessing (birkat hamazon) before leaving?
A change of location is equivalent only to a lapse of attention (hirhur da'at). Therefore if one cha…
Must a head of household recite Birkat Hamazon aloud so that his wife and children who cannot bless themselves may fulfill their obligation through his recitation?
A woman who does not understand the language of the blessing cannot be discharged through hearing a …