or Mishneh Torah. Halakha is often translated as "Jewish law", although a more literal translation might be "the way one proceeds" or "the way of walking". The word is derived from the root ?-?-? (he-lamed-kaph), which refers to concepts related to "to go", "to walk". Halakha not only guides religious practices and beliefs; it also guides numerous aspects of day-to-day life.

Historically, widespread observance of the laws of the Torah is first in evidence beginning