(MaHaRSHa”L). Shailoth U’Teshuvoth [responsa]

R. Solomon Luria (1510-73) was arguably the greatest Polish rabbi of his day. He displayed surprising assertiveness and independence in his Halachic rulings, often castigating his rabbinical opponents. A purist, he was often unhappy with the state of rabbinic leadership in his time, noting that although many were ordained, few rabbis were knowledgeable enough to perform their duties appropriately. The present responsa are historically important for the cultural life of the Jews of Poland and Lithuania - and include many examples of colloquial Old Yiddish.