Moshe Isserles, also known by the acronym REMA (pronounced REMU in Yiddish), lived in Krakow, Poland. Already in his youth he was famed for his erudition. He came from a wealthy family and founded and headed a yeshiva, keeping the students at his own expense. His "Darkhei Mosheh" was a commentary on Ya’akov ben Asher’s code, "Arba’ah Turim".

When Yosef Caro wrote his standard code, the "Shulhan Arukh" (literally ‘The Table is Ready’), based on Sephardi practice, Isserles was afraid that its popularity would lead European Jews to forget the rulings of Ashkenazi authorities. He therefore wrote "Ha-Mappah" (literally ‘ The Tablecloth’) which complements Caro’s work with Ashkenazi traditions and customs. Since then, the combined works have been the accepted basis of Ashkenazi Orthodox life, and to this day guide rabbinical decision-making.

Rabbi Moshe Isserles was the author of many other halakhic works as well as works of a philosophic and mystical nature. Isserles’ father built the Rema synagogue in Krakow in honor of his son. This synagogue still stands. The traditional seat of Isserles can be seen inside the synagogue, while his grave is in the adjacent cemetery.

 

Bibliography:

Moshe ISSERLES: Sepher Torat Hadaat. Pp. 512. Bnei Brak: Ha-Massoreth, 1985 (in Hebrew)

Joseph CARO: Shulhan Arukh. With Commentaries by Moshe Isserles. 4 Vols. in 2. Jerusalem: Kedem, 1974 (in Hebrew)

Moshe ISSERLES: She’elot uTeshuvot. Pp. 206. New York: Grassman, 1954 (in Hebrew)

Links:

Pictures of Remah (Remuh) synagogue in Krakow