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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.


responsa British  
/ rɪˈspɒnsə /

noun

  1. the plural of responsum

  2. that part of rabbinic literature concerned with written rulings in answer to questions

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of Responsa

1895–1900; < New Latin; plural of responsum

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Though his correspondents were not so widely scattered, the subjects touched upon by Rashi in his Responsa are very varied in character.

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

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

With this exception, the Responsa do not betray the least straining after effect, the least literary refinement.

From Rashi by Szold, Adele

He addressed Responsa to Rashi on questions of Talmudic jurisprudence.

From Rashi by Szold, Adele

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