Soc.Culture.Jewish Newsgroups Frequently Asked Questions and Answers URL: www.scjfaq.org/faq/03-42.html

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Question 3.42:
What is the Mishnah Berurah?

This is a commentary on the Shulkhan Arukh by Rabbi Israel Meir Kagan, better known as The Chofetz Chaim. (Poland, 1838 to 1933). Although he never held a formal position as a rabbi, hundreds of students flocked to his home in Radin. Eventually a yeshiva was established that Rabbi Meir supported. The Mishnah Berurah has become the authoritative halakhic guide for some segments of Ashkenazic Jewry. However, it is not accepted as an authoritative code by other segments, including many Chassidim and some Litvaks.

The FAQ is a collection of documents that is an attempt to answer questions that are continually asked on the soc.culture.jewish family of newsgroups. It was written by cooperating laypeople from the various Judaic movements. You should not make any assumption as to accuracy and/or authoritativeness of the answers provided herein. In all cases, it is always best to consult a competent authority--your local rabbi is a good place to start.

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© (c) 1993-2004 Daniel P. Faigin <maintainer@scjfaq.org>