(Adret, Solomon ben Abraham IBN)

First work: Although this collection of responsa is ascribed to Nachmanides, it is now determined that with the exception of five or six responsa, the entire collection is by the Rashb”a. As a respondent, he answers inquiries directly, without unneccessary lengthy, scholastic discussion. The number of his responsa, including this pseudo-Nachmanides collection, reaches well over three thousand, with inquIries addressed from all parts of the world, and touching upon all phases of law - religious, family and civil, as well as theological concerns. See M. Waxman, History of Jewish Literature (1933) Vol. II pp.165-167. Second work: “Isserlein’s most important work is his responsa…(they) contain valuable material on the general history of the Jews in Germany in the 15th-century and in particular on the organization of the communities and their spiritual life.” EJ, IX cols. 1080-81. These two collections are typical of the first epoch of responsa literature which stemmed primarily from Western Europe. The self-autonomy of Jewish communities is reflected in the in the large number of judicial cases dealt with, the severity of punishments metted out by judges and the excellent form of communal organization described.