Klalei HaPoskim

Overview

In order to be privy to the nuances and mindsets of the Poskim, it is advantageous to understand the Klalim relevant to the Poskim, from the two Talmuds through the Rishonim to the Shulchan Aruch. The Machon Yerushalayim edition of the Yad Malachi is particularly helpful for this, as the Yad Malachi is fantastic for collecting all the ideas mentioned throughout Halachic literature and the Matnat Yado footnotes add many additional sources from those who came before and after him, as well as direct quotations of sources.

A number of these Klalim, such as Stam vaYesh and Yesh veYesh have much import in understanding many of the Rishonim, though the idea is only written out under the heading of one of them.

Klalei HaRishonim

• Geonim
• Baal Halachot Gedolot (Bahag)
• Rif
• Rambam
• Raavad
• Sefer Mitzvot Gadol (Samag/Semag)
• Rashi
• Tosafot
• Rosh
• Tur
• Maggid Mishneh
• Migdal Oz
• Ramban
• Rashba
• Ritva
• Ran

Klalei HaAcharonim

• Shulchan Aruch and Rama
• Chida

Safrut Chazal: Talmud Bavli and Yerushalmi, Tosefta, Midrashim, and Zohar

Bavli

1. Regarding intra-Talmudic Halachic decision making (Klalei HaShas), see Klalei HaTalmud (Talmudic Methodology).
2. "Sugya veDuchteh Adifah" - The Amoraim focused most on the precise presentation of the Halacha when discussing it in its proper context. When discussing tangential points, the they were not as careful to speak with complete precision satisfactory for inferring the Halacha from.

Differences Between the Yerushalmi and Bavli

1. Since the Talmud Bavli was written after the Talmud Yerushalmi, its codifiers were able to filter out the points they didn't think were accepted. As such, when the two contradict, we follow the Talmud Bavli, and some say we should never even be concerned for the Yerushalmi's statements altogether for this reason.
2. The Halacha follows the Bavli over the Yerushalmi wherever they disagree, but, if the Yerushalmi discusses a Halacha not mentioned in the Bavli, the Halacha follows the Yerushalmi. If it's a distinction not mentioned in the Bavli, then there's a strong argument to say the Bavli's omission is an indication of disagreement.
3. The Rosh writes how we only follow the Bavli over the Yerushalmi with respect to Halachot, such as Tuma veTaharah, Issur veHetter, Chiyuv and Pettur, but not things that are Tzorech Hashaah and have no ramifications on Dinei HaTorah. Those are subjective to the time, place, and needs of the people. Similarly, the Rashbesh says that with respect to Minhagim, we would follow the Yerushalmi.
4. If two approaches are offered in the Bavli and only one of them appears in the Yerushalmi, the Halacha follows that approach.
5. The Rishonim observe that the Yerushalmi in our possession is corrupt and enigmatic. At most, one person in a generation can crack its meaning. If a Baraita is quoted slightly differently in the Bavli from the way it's quoted in the Yerushalmi, the Ohr HaChaim claims one can accept the Yerushalmi's version and label the Baraita in the Bavli as Meshabeshta (corrupt). The Yad Malachi takes issue with this approach, in light of the general issue of textual obstacles in reading the Yerushalmi and the Tashbetz's claim that said even the girsa of the Yerushalmi is unreliable, not just the Halachot.
6. Given a Machaloket in the Bavli and a "Maaseh Rav" (anecdote about a Talmudic figure) in the Yerushalmi that takes a side, the Halacha follows the side expressed by the Maaseh Rav in the Yerushalmi.
7. The Poskim often try to harmonize the Bavli and Yerushalmi as much as possible.
8. Sometimes, when referring to topics in different locations, the Yerushalmi mixes up "here" and "there," because the topic appears more than once and the same text was copied/repeated completely from one location to the other without adjustment.

Differences Between Other Sefarim

1. When the Talmud and Zohar contradict, the Radbaz is well known for positing that one should follow the Talmud and Poskim.
2. When faced with a contradiction between the Yerushalmi and the Tosefta, the Rambam generally sides with the Yerushalmi. The Kessef Mishneh (Hilchot Maaser Sheni 1:10) explains that the authenticity of our set of Toseftas is questionable: they may not be the same Toseftas compiled by Rav Chiya and Rav Oshiya. The Peri Chadash adds that it's based on the Yerushalmi's later date of redaction. The Radbaz thinks the Rif takes the side of the Tosefta in such instances, while the Sdei Chemed and Korban Netanel think not so.
3. As we would follow the Yerushalmi against the silence of the Bavli, if there is a contradiction between a Midrash Rabbah and Yerushalmi, the Halacha follows the Yerushalmi over the Midrash.

Sefarim HaChitzonim (Masechet Semachot, Sofrim, and others)

1. Tosafot in a number of places writes how with respect to some Halachot, they follow Sefarim Chitzonim, such as Masechet Semachot and Masechet Sofrim, which were compiled later on, against the Talmud. They're called Chitzonim, according to the Bach because they are external to the Gemara, or, according to the Chidah, because they're even further removed from the Baraitot, which are already "outside," as their name suggests. Some say the Girsaot are also enigmatic.

Rashi

Fundamentals

1. Rashi, colloquially known as "Kuntress," always takes the simplest Peshat of the Gemara, even if it's not in line with the accepted Halacha - even a Hava Amina rejected by the Gemara itself later on!
2. Along the same lines and by no means in disparagement of Rashi, the Radbaz alerts us that Rashi is primarily a Mefaresh, not a Posek, so much so that he doesn't even register as a Shitah when deciding a Machloket between Rishonim, such as the Rosh and Rambam., though some disagree.
3. In his inimitable and calculated pithiness, Rashi negates numerous difficulties with the understanding of the Gemara with just a few words. This is very much part of Rashi's claim to fame.
4. Rashi made multiple editions of his commentaries, which accounts for the apparent contradictions.
5. One cannot pose the tradition of the Geonim as a question on Rashi - "Gavra Agavra KaRamit?!"
6. Whenever Rashi uses the words כלומר he is offering that particular interpretation where one would have been able to offer an alternative one.
7. When Tosafot attacks Rashi with a series of difficulties from later Masechtot, one could argue Rashi assumes the Gemara at this point isn't working with them in mind.

Works Not by Rashi

1. The commentary on Divrei HaYamim is not by Rashi.
2. The commentaries on the side of the Gemara where Rashi should be on Masechtot Meilah, Nazir, and Nedarim, are not by Rashi.
3. There is a debate among Acharonim if the commentary of Rashi on Masechet Ta'anit is authentic or not; it seems that many Acharonim assume that it indeed is by Rashi.
4. The commentary Rashi on the Rif was compiled by a later student based heavily on Rashi.

Tosafot

Jargon

1. Beyond the surface level understanding of their words, the Rishonim imbued layers of implicit teachings in their words. There is often what to learn from inference, in addition to the basic understanding.
2. Sometimes Tosafot will argue "Ein Lehakshot" - not to pose a question - but not provide the reasoning, thereby leaving it to the reader to derive the answer or they find it in a parallel Tosafot.
3. Even though Tosafot often poses a question with "Im Tomar" and answers it with "Yesh Lomar," there are instances where the question will be asked in the formal manner but left unanswered.
4. If the primary answer presented to Tosafot's question suffers from a difficulty, an alternative answer will often be offered, prefaced by "הבה מצי לשנויי" or "הבה מצי לתרץ", that isn't subject to the other answers difficulty. This alternative answer, however, is not accepted, as it itself is vulnerable to a much greater challenge, which only the primary answer is safe from. In other words, if the main answer isn't perfect, another, weaker answer that resolves the difficulty with that answer will be suggested but not accepted, because it's subject to much stronger questions.
5. In instances where two answers are offered without quoting one of the Baalei HaTosafot by name, the second answer will only be prefaced with "ועוד" if it doesn't directly contradict the previous one. If the first answer is by a named Baal HaTosafot, though, then the word "ועוד" would be appropriate regardless of the answer, to indicate that this answer is also from the aforementioned Baal HaTosafot.
6. In terms of deciding which of two answers to follow, the Sheyarei Kenesset HaGedolah claims the first answer is ikar; the Chazon Nachum disagrees.
7. Sometimes Tosafot will pose a question with "Teimah" and leave it unanswered but not also "VeTzarich Iyun," because the answer was obvious.

Authorship

1. It is not uncommon to discover contradictions between comments of Tosafot across different Masechtot. For example, in one place, Tosafot will leave a question unresolved, while, in another place, it will be answered, and stil, in another location, a different answer will be presented and the other one rejected. Each side of that contradiction is in fact representing the opinion of a different Baal HaTosafot. Similarly, when two Poskim each associate a different understanding with Tosafot, one could explain that they're referring to different Baalei HaTosafot.
2. Even within a Masechet, sometimes there are missing comments of Tosafot or comments of other Baalei HaTosafot mixed in, the latter of which leads to contradictions within one set of Tosafot comments. Regardless, we try to reconcile the differences as much as possible.
3. The Maharshal has a well known illustration of how Rabbeinu Tam had around eighty students of incredible caliber.
4. The Tosafot commentary on most of the Masechtot studied originates with the Tosafot compiled by the Rash MiShantz, a compilation known as the Tosafot Shantz. However, our version was abridged by R' Elazar Tukh, whose redaction is known as the Tosafot Tukh and whose goal was to elucidate the give and take of the Gemara, not decide Halacha. Nevertheless, we follow the Tosafot Tukh over the Tosafot Shantz, because the Tosafot Tukh came later.. In fact, some say that we should follow the Tosafot on the more major masechtot, such as Yevamot, over the Tosafot on smaller Masechtot, because the former are from the Tosafot Tukh.
5. The Tosafot commentary to Yoma comes from the Maharam Rutenberg.
6. There is a debate if Tosafot and Rabbeinu Tam are considered two separate entities or not with respect to Kim Li and other Halachic calculations.

Misc.

1. Chochmei HaTzarfatim according to many refers to Baalei HaTosafot, although some are unsure.

Rosh

General Style

1. The Piskei Rosh are essentially summaries of the Tosafot on the Daf, so each can be used to complement the other in terms of understanding and drive. Where Tosafot is vague and the Rosh is clear or vice versa, one can rely on the clearer explanation to be a worthy interpretation of the vague one's words. Often times, the Rosh does not deviate from their position.
2. The Rosh primarily focuses on Sevarot accepted leHalacha and ignores those that are not. According to the Kenesset HaGedolah, if he presents two positions without deciding, it's because he's unsure which should be accepted. Sometimes, he'll present two interpretations, because he thinks they're both true. As such, his position will be vague, so we can logically infer he follows the majority of Poskim. Additionally, his son, the Tur, has the credibility to tell us what his father's position was in practice.
3. The Rosh mainly is drawn after the Rif except perhaps by explanations of Mishnayot, in which case he often prefers the Rash's understanding.
4. The Rambam's understanding of Im Timtzi Lomar as Halacha is not accepted by the Rosh, who posits that even those who accept it must admit that further levels are only accepted if they are consistent with the positions of the previous ones. Bach argues that Rosh will agree that when presented with four questions, two of which are Im Timtzi Lomar, that their standing out indicates the Gemara is following them.
5. An additional answer or through will be introduced with merely a "Vav," such as "וקמשמע לן" - and we also learn.
6. If an elucidation of the Gemara is not presented by the Rosh against Rashi, we assume he agrees with Rashi.
7. The breakup of Shu"t HaRosh into Klalim was done by later individuals, not the Rosh.

Contradictions

1. Just as Ein Seder LaMishnah in the days of Tannaim, meaning they didn't compile Shas in the order it now exists in, so, too, Rishonim didn't necessarily learn and write on Shas in order. It's therefore possible for an initial position to be written in a commentary to a later Masechet and the retracted corrected one to be presented in an earlier Masechet. This knowledge allows us to resolve difficulties in the Rosh and other Rishonim.
2. Given two contradictory statements in the Piskei HaRosh, some Poskim recommend following the one that fits with the Rif, but according to the Shach, if one is just an instance of parroting the Rif and the other is the Rosh speaking for himself, the latter should be followed.
3. To resolve contradictions between the Piskei HaRosh and Shu"t HaRosh, the Tur and his brother Rabbeinu Yehudah ben HaRosh say and the Bach postulates that the Piskei HaRosh were written later, so they should be followed over the Teshuvot. The Beit Yosef disagrees. The Maharil argues the Teshuvot should be followed, because they were formulated in the context of Horaah. The Kenesset HaGedolah writes how even according to the former view, if the conflicting Teshuva is based on additional, seemingly seen afterwards, sources, then we would follow the Teshuvah. Rav Yosef Yedid HaLevi adds that these rules are only applicable when it's an explicit contradiction, if not we rather reconcile the two.

Acceptance

1. Many testify to the grand acceptance of the Rosh throughout Spain, which the Kenesset HaGedolah argues is true even over the Rambam and Riaz. Meanwhile, the Radbaz recommends to at least follow the Rosh whenever the Rambam is unclear. He adds that the Halacha follows the Rosh against the Rashba, as the former came later.

Misc.

1. Uncharacteristically, the Rosh on Bava Kamma does not quote all the Gemaras and Piskei Dinim, but, rather, quotes the Gemara concisely when needed to discuss a novel idea.
2. Sometimes, the Hagahot Ashri on the Rosh is commenting on the Gemara itself, not the Rosh, and may even be disagreeing with him.

Tur

General Approach

1. Like his father the Rosh, the Tur only discusses matters that are relevant to Halacha. Moreover, only cases mentioned or hinted to in the Talmud are discussed in the Tur. Of the topics discussed, he writes the spectrum of positions that arise in the Talmud, Geonin, and Poskim.
2. Halachot whose source Gemarot have unresolved textual variants (Safek Girsaot) are omitted by the Tur.

Writing Style

1. Some say that if the Tur omits a Halacha from its appropriate context, one cannot infer that he still accepts it based on a Halacha written in a different context of the Tur, because this is its proper place. For example, if a certain Halacha about lighting Shabbat candles doesn't appear in the Siman about candlelighting, one cannot infer it based on a Halacha in a different, unrelated Siman. Others disagree. At the same time, some say the Tur will directly quote the Rambam or a different Rishon's articulation of a ruling, though he himself does not completely subscribe to the ruling and all its details, because he's relying on having written his own view in a different location.
2. At the same time, the Tur will outline a debate between the Rosh and other Rishonim in one Siman and then assume like the Rosh's position on the issue in other Simanim without mentioning the other opinion.
3. When writing how a Rishon concurs with a statement, the Tur will use the language "Al Derech Zeh Katav HaRambam" to means that it's not exactly the Rishon's Shitah, but similar - i.e. there are some differences. "Ken Katav HaRambam" is an indication the Rishon entertains the same position.
4. The Tur himself concurs with a previously stated ruling when he writes "Nireh Li" to introduce the next idea, while the language "Li Nireh" introduces his own dissenting opinion.
5. Sometimes, a ruling will be written in the name of the Rambam, even though it's explicit in the Gemara, because the Rif and Rosh omitted it.
6. When the Tur or another Posek responds to a statement he quotes with "I don't know why" (איני יודע למה), it is not a sufficient indication of his disagreement.
7. The Tur will point out how the Rosh is unlike the Rambam but not the Rif.
8. Poskim of the same position are grouped together. The entire group of one position is outlined first, and then the next group.

Stam vaYesh and Yesh veYesh

1. In line with the general rule, know colloquially as "Yesh veYesh Halacha KeYesh Batra," the Acharonim write how one should follow the last of a series of positions presented by the Tur. The Yad Malachi adds how this is also written regarding the Rif, the Tur's understanding of the Rosh, and the Samag, but he notes how the Beit Yosef takes contradictory approaches to this with respect to the Rosh. In the Tur, this is true when it's "Yesh Omrim... veYesh Omrim..." or "So and so says this, and so and so says that;" however, If it's a case of "Stam vaYesh, then the Halacha follows the Stam
2. The rule is most compelling when the two positions are not listed in chronological order.. Some say this is true even regarding Shulchan Aruch.
3. If the verbiage is of the formulation "LeDaat Ploni Assur u'leDaat Ploni Muttar," this rule does not apply.
4. Independently of the "Yesh veYesh" rule, if the Tur writes "Aval" to introduce an additional position, it's an indication that this is the opinion he accepts.. However, if he elucidates the reasoning of the first opinion before introducing the second, there's firm reason to believe he leans towards the first one as primary. This Klal also has import in understanding the position of the Beit Yosef when he records debates among the Rishonim.

When Quoting Baalei HaTosafot and Rosh

1. If the position of the Rashba quoted by the Tur contradicts what the Rashba himself writes in his Sefarim, the former is actually the Rash MiShantz, not Rav Shlomo Ben Aderet.
2. When the Tur writes "My father decided this way" based on proofs, then the idea has import to other topics, as well, while "This is my father's conclusion" does not.
3. The Tur always follows his father's view when he writes "And my master, my father wrote this way, as well" (כן כתב אדוני אבי הרא"ש). As above, in general, he follows the last position presented in a series of opinions, unless the first opinion was written anonymously. This is in line with the common rules of "Yesh veYesh" always following the last one and "Stam vaYesh Halacha KeStam."
4. The Tur will attribute the unsourced statement of the Rosh to one of the Baalei HaTosafot, such as the Ri.
5. Ri (ר"י) without a Heh refers to R' Yitzchak Baal HaTosafot, and HaRi (הר"י) with a Heh refers to Rabbeinu Yonah.
6. "Ken Daat Adoni Avi" (כן דעת אדוני אבי) means the idea is not explicit in the Rosh; "Ken Katav Adoni Avi" (כן כתב אדוני אבי) does. Similarly, "Lo Katav Adoni Avi HaRosh Ken" (לא כתב אדוני אבי הרא"ש כן) means that it's not understood from the Rosh.
7. There is a fleet of Acharonim who assert the Tur does not disagree with his father without doing so explicitly; therefore, we always work hard to reconcile any inconsistencies.
8. Even if there are those who disagree with the Rosh, the Tur will not necessarily quote them to contrast.
9. Rosh's position is usually quoted last, not first, to indicate this is the position the Tur accepts.
10. Although the Rosh might agree with the position of the Baalei HaTosafot, the Tur will suffice with quoting the position in name of Tosafot and not mention the Rosh's agreement.
11. Wherever the Tur writes "And my father the Rosh would say..." (ואדוני אבי הרא"ש ז"ל היה אומר), the Beit Yosef often points out how it was an oral communication between father and son, not a written ruling.

Kitzur Piskei HaRosh

1. The Kitzur Piskei HaRosh were written by the Tur. When they contradict the Tur itself, the latter should be followed, as it was written later.
2. In Kitzur Piskei HaRosh, the Tur writes no more than the explicit point of the Rosh.

Misc.

1. When referring to the Rambam, the Tur is exclusively referring to Mishneh Torah, as Perush HaMishnah was not available to him.
2. The Tur only had Torat HaBayit HaKatzar, not Aruch.
3. The Rosh Yosef thought the Rav Amram mentioned in the Tur is not the same as Rav Amram Gaon, but the Chidah argues they indeed are the same person.

Maggid Mishneh

1. The Kenesset HaGedolah writes that wherever the Maggid Mishneh says he couldn't find a proof for the Rambam, he doesn't agree. Some even say if he doesn't provide a proof, even without articulating that lack of finding, it's an indication of disagreement.
2. A contemporary of the Rivash, the Maggid Mishneh's allegiance to the Rashba is indicative through his throrough familiarity with the Rashba's opinions. Therefore, when in doubt as to how to understand the Rashba's opinion, the Maggid Mishneh's understanding is a valuable and acceptable window to determining what the Rashba means. Some say the opposite is therefore a valuable tool of understanding the Maggid Mishneh, as well.
3. His tremendous dedication to elucidating the Rambam gives the Maggid Mishneh credence in deciding what the true explanation is when the Rambam's position is debatable, according to the Radbaz.
4. The Rivash posits that when the Maggid Mishneh refers to the Rambam as "HaMechaber" and not "Rabbenu," it indicates lack of satisfaction with the Rambam's position on his part, but the Chidah argues that the verbiage is arbitrary.
5. The first three Perakim of Maggid Mishneh on Hilchot Gerushin (until Halacha 9) were not extant even in the times of the Maggid Mishneh himself; what we have printed was probably written by a student, not the Maggid Mishneh himself.
6. Maggid Mishneh doesn't usually refer to Perush HaMishnayot.

Migdal Oz

1. Many Acharonim, including the Maharshal, Radbaz, and Shach, have disparaging things to say about the Migal Oz, but the Yad Malachi minimizes the context of their complains to his responses to the Raavad's challenges to the Rambam. Indeed, the Koreh HaDorot praises the Migdal Oz, R' Shem Tov, for his great erudition and familiarity with Nigleh and Nistar.

Ramban

1. Ramban first wrote his disagreements on the Sefer HaMitzvot and then his Sefer.

Rashba

1. The Rashba had editions of Tosafot other than the one printed on the page of our Gemaras.
2. In Avodat HaKodesh, the Rashba writes "יראה לי" when referring to Halachot from the Yerushalmi, Tosefta, and anything else not mentioned in Talmud Bavli.
3. The Mishmeret HaBayit was written by the Rashba, but it wasn't in print at the times of the Beit Yosef, Rama, and Maharshal for them to see it.
4. The Baalei HaTosafot and Rashba share a similar approach, therefore, if the Rashba copies Tosafot, it's a sign of agreement.
5. The extent Shu"t HaRasha are a condensed version of the original.
6. Maharashdam relates often how his rebbe, Maharitatz would weigh the Rashba's position on a matter equal to the majority of Poskim. Similar statements are made by Rav Yosef Karo and the Radbaz.

Ritva

The Ritva's primary teacher was the Ra'ah, but he studied under the Rashba, as well.

Ran

Style

1. For the most part, the Ran and the Rosh's words are the same, especially when elucidating Tosafot's position.

Contradictions

1. The Ran wrote his Chiddushim on Shas when he was younger and his commentary on the Rif when he was older, so it's possible that he came to a deeper understanding of a topic and changed his mind the second time around. Therefore, one should follow the commentary on the Rif if it contradicts the Chiddushim. The Yad Malachi extends this to the Teshuvot, as well.
2. In terms of internal contradictions, the Ran's style in his commentary on the Rif is to copy sections of Rashi anonymously but write an alternative approach elsewhere. He won't necessarily explicate the fact that he disagrees when quoting Rashi.

Works Not by the Ran

1. Despite some Acharonim referring to the commentary on the side of the Rif on Masechtot Bava Kamma, Bava Metzia, Bava Batra, Makkot, and Moed Kattan as the Ran, they are in fact the Nimukei Yosef.

Further Reading

• Koreh HaDorot, Ahavat Shalom edition with footnotes of the Chida
• Kenesset HaGedolah, Klalei HaPoskim
• Yad Malachi, especially the Machon Yerushalayim annotated edition
• Yair Ozen / Ein Zocher, by the Chida
• Shem HaGedolim, by the Chida
• Kol HaChaim, by Rav Chaim Palagi
• Sdei Chemed, Klalei HaPoskim (in some editions, vol. 6, page 55, and vol. 9, page 125 in others)
• Ein Yitzchak vol. 1, by Rav Yitzchak Yosef