Rabbi Joseph Karo

Rabbi Joseph Karo (1488–1575) was a prominent Jewish legal scholar and the author of the *Shulchan Aruch*, a foundational code of Jewish law. Born in Spain and later active in the Ottoman Empire, he systematically organized Jewish legal principles into a practical guide used by rabbis and communities worldwide. His work synthesizes different opinions and traditions, making Jewish law more accessible and consistent. Karo’s scholarship deeply influenced contemporary Jewish practice and legal understanding, and he is regarded as one of the most important legal authorities in Jewish history.