ISSEÜES, MOSES (REMA)

(c. 1525-72)

   Polish codifier. He was born in Krakow, where he later founded and maintained a yeshivah. When Joseph Caro's code, Bet Yoseph, appeared, Isserles wrote the Darkhe Mosheh, which explained the views of Ashkenazi scholars. After the abridgement of Caro's code, the Shulhan Arukh, was published, Isserles wrote the Mappah, which incorporated Ashkenazi practice. It was through these additions to the Shulhan Arukh that the code was eventually accepted as authori-tative among the Ashkenazim. He also wrote studies of philosophy and kabbalah.