Halakah

/hɑːˈlɑːkə/ noun

Definition

Jewish religious law, the body of rules and interpretations derived from Torah and rabbinical teachings that guide Jewish life.

Etymology

From Hebrew הלכה (halakhah), meaning 'the way' or 'path,' derived from the verb halakh (to walk). The metaphor reflects the idea of following a prescribed path of law.

Kelly Says

Halakah means 'the walk'—it's the path of life itself for observant Jews, from what you eat to how you greet strangers, all derived from ancient texts constantly reinterpreted for modern life.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.