Statement

Writing responsa (singular: responsum) was probably the chief means by which a Gaon exercised authority over long distances: a 'justice by correspondence' in which he drafted a legal opinion answering a specific inquiry and thereby set a precedent. The responsum has been a major part of Jewish law ever since, dealing with the order of prayers, dietary laws, marriage and divorce, that personal injury and business liability.

References

1. p. 161

   supports · main text · ch. 6

   Efron, Lehmann and Weitzman. The Jews: A History. 3rd edition. New York and Abingdon: Routledge, 2019.

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2. p. 162

   supports · main text · ch. 6

   Efron, Lehmann and Weitzman. The Jews: A History. 3rd edition. New York and Abingdon: Routledge, 2019.

   Verification anchor recorded · checked against the page text