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• Responsa
  Responsa

  noun

  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
  responsa

  noun

  the plural of responsum

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

Fortunately we can get to know him a little better through his letters, that is, through the Responsa addressed by him to those who consulted him upon questions of religious law.

From Rashi by Szold, Adele

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

It is to this veneration, bordering on religious devotion, that we owe the preservation of Rashi's Responsa and Decisions.

From Rashi by Szold, Adele

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

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