Halachic Concepts for Encoders¶

This document provides the essential halachic concepts that every Mistaber encoder must understand. It covers authority hierarchy, obligation levels, doubt resolution, dispute patterns, and contextual modifiers that appear throughout the halachic literature.

Authority Hierarchy¶

Madrega Levels (Obligation Hierarchy)¶

Halacha distinguishes between different levels of obligation, each with distinct properties for reasoning:

Madrega	Hebrew	Source	Stringency	Safek Rule
`d_oraita`	דאורייתא	Torah	Highest	L'chumra (stringent)
`d_rabanan`	דרבנן	Rabbinic	High	L'kula (lenient)
`minhag`	מנהג	Custom	Medium	Varies by minhag type
`chumra`	חומרא	Stringency	Low	Optional

graph TD
    A[d_oraita<br/>Torah commandments] --> B[d_rabanan<br/>Rabbinic enactments]
    B --> C[minhag<br/>Customs]
    C --> D[chumra<br/>Stringencies]

    style A fill:#e8f5e9
    style B fill:#e3f2fd
    style C fill:#fff3e0
    style D fill:#fce4ec

D'oraita (Torah Level)¶

Definition: Commandments derived directly from the written Torah or oral tradition transmitted from Sinai.

Properties: - Highest stringency level - Safek d'oraita l'chumra (doubt is resolved stringently) - Violations may carry korban (sacrifice) obligation - Cannot be nullified by rabbinic authority

Encoding Example:

% Beheima + Chalav is d'oraita
% Source: "Lo tevashel gedi bachalev imo" (Shemot 23:19)
rule(r_bb_beheima_achiila).
makor(r_bb_beheima_achiila, sa("yd:87:1")).
makor(r_bb_beheima_achiila, torah("Shemot 23:19")).
madrega(r_bb_beheima_achiila, d_oraita).
scope(r_bb_beheima_achiila, mechaber).

asserts(mechaber, issur(achiila, M, d_oraita)) :-
    is_beheima_chalav_mixture(M).

D'rabanan (Rabbinic Level)¶

Definition: Laws enacted by the Sages, including: - Gezeirot (protective decrees) - Takkanot (positive enactments) - Minhagim that became binding

Properties: - High stringency but less than d_oraita - Safek d'rabanan l'kula (doubt is resolved leniently) - Subject to rabbinic modification in extreme circumstances - Violations generally do not carry korban obligation

Encoding Example:

% Of (poultry) + Chalav is d'rabanan
% Source: SA YD 87:3 "eino assur ela miderabanan"
rule(r_bb_of_achiila).
makor(r_bb_of_achiila, sa("yd:87:3")).
makor(r_bb_of_achiila, gemara("Chullin 104a")).
madrega(r_bb_of_achiila, d_rabanan).
scope(r_bb_of_achiila, mechaber).

asserts(mechaber, issur(achiila, M, d_rabanan)) :-
    is_of_chalav_mixture(M).

Minhag (Custom)¶

Definition: Practices adopted by communities that become binding through acceptance.

Types of Minhag: | Type | Hebrew | Binding Force | Example | |------|--------|---------------|---------| | Minhag Avoteinu | מנהג אבותינו | Strongly binding | Kitniyot on Pesach | | Minhag HaMakom | מנהג המקום | Binding in location | Local prayer customs | | Minhag Tov | מנהג טוב | Good practice | Additional stringencies | | Minhag Shtut | מנהג שטות | Not binding | Baseless practices |

Encoding Example:

% Ashkenazi 6-hour waiting time is minhag
rule(r_ashkenaz_waiting_6hours).
makor(r_ashkenaz_waiting_6hours, rema("yd:89:1")).
madrega(r_ashkenaz_waiting_6hours, minhag).
scope(r_ashkenaz_waiting_6hours, rema).

asserts(rema, waiting_hours(6)).

Chumra (Stringency)¶

Definition: A practice that goes beyond the strict letter of the law.

Properties: - Optional for individuals (unless accepted as vow) - Cannot be imposed on others - May become minhag if widely adopted - Important to distinguish from actual obligations

Encoding Example:

% Some are stringent to wait for fish before dairy (beyond the law)
rule(r_chumra_fish_then_dairy_wait).
makor(r_chumra_fish_then_dairy_wait, custom("Various communities")).
madrega(r_chumra_fish_then_dairy_wait, chumra).
scope(r_chumra_fish_then_dairy_wait, base).

% This is NOT an issur - just a recommended practice
asserts(base, recommended_practice(wait_after_fish_before_dairy)).

Safek Resolution Principles¶

Core Safek Rules¶

The resolution of halachic doubt depends on the madrega of the underlying obligation:

graph TD
    A[Safek<br/>Halachic Doubt] --> B{What madrega?}

    B -->|d_oraita| C[ספק דאורייתא לחומרא<br/>Resolve stringently]
    B -->|d_rabanan| D[ספק דרבנן לקולא<br/>Resolve leniently]
    B -->|minhag| E[Depends on minhag type]

    C --> F[Treat as if issur exists]
    D --> G[Treat as if issur does not exist]

Safek D'oraita L'chumra¶

Hebrew: ספק דאורייתא לחומרא

Rule: When in doubt about a Torah-level obligation, rule stringently.

Encoding:

% Default safek policy for all worlds
safek_policy(base, d_oraita, l_chumra).

% Resolution rule
resolves_to(W, safek(issur(Action, Food, d_oraita)), assur) :-
    world(W),
    safek_policy(W, d_oraita, l_chumra).

Application Example:

% If unsure whether meat was properly slaughtered (safek nevela)
% and eating nevela is d_oraita...
safek(is_nevela(meat)).
madrega(eating_nevela, d_oraita).

% Result: Treat meat as if it IS nevela (stringent)
% because safek d_oraita l_chumra

Safek D'rabanan L'kula¶

Hebrew: ספק דרבנן לקולא

Rule: When in doubt about a rabbinic obligation, rule leniently.

Encoding:

% Default safek policy for d_rabanan
safek_policy(base, d_rabanan, l_kula).

% Resolution rule
resolves_to(W, safek(issur(Action, Food, d_rabanan)), mutar) :-
    world(W),
    safek_policy(W, d_rabanan, l_kula).

Mishnah Berurah Exception

The Mishnah Berurah world uses stricter safek handling:

safek_policy(ashk_mb, d_rabanan, l_chumra).  % Stricter than base

Sfek Sfeika (Double Doubt)¶

Hebrew: ספק ספיקא

Rule: Two independent doubts may permit even a d_oraita matter.

Conditions for Valid Sfek Sfeika: 1. Doubts must be independent (not dependent on each other) 2. Each doubt must be reasonable (not far-fetched) 3. Cannot be resolved through investigation

Encoding:

% Define sfek sfeika predicate
sfek_sfeika(Food, Doubt1, Doubt2) :-
    safek(Food, Doubt1),
    safek(Food, Doubt2),
    independent_doubts(Doubt1, Doubt2),
    not resolvable_by_investigation(Food).

% Sfek sfeika permits even d_oraita
resolves_to(W, Food, mutar) :-
    sfek_sfeika(Food, _, _),
    not explicit_issur(W, Food).

Example:

% Doubt 1: Is this meat from a kosher species? (50/50)
% Doubt 2: Was it slaughtered properly? (50/50)
%
% If both doubts are independent, sfek sfeika applies
% and the meat may be permitted in some circumstances

safek(meat1, species_unknown).
safek(meat1, shechita_unknown).
independent_doubts(species_unknown, shechita_unknown).

% Result: sfek_sfeika(meat1, species_unknown, shechita_unknown)

Chazaka (Presumption)¶

Hebrew: חזקה

Definition: A legal presumption based on established status.

Types of Chazaka: | Type | Hebrew | Meaning | Example | |------|--------|---------|---------| | Chazaka D'mei'ikara | חזקה דמעיקרא | Original status presumed to continue | Vessel was clean, presumed clean | | Chazaka D'hashta | חזקה דהשתא | Current status presumed | If currently kosher, presumed kosher | | Rov | רוב | Majority presumption | Most meat in Jewish market is kosher |

Encoding:

% Chazaka: vessel retains its original status
maintains_status(Vessel, Status) :-
    vessel(Vessel),
    original_status(Vessel, Status),
    not status_changed(Vessel).

% Example: A vessel used for meat retains meat status
vessel_status(pot1, basar) :-
    maintains_status(pot1, basar).

Machloket Patterns¶

Types of Halachic Disputes¶

Pattern	Description	Encoding Approach
Mechaber vs Rema	Sefardi vs Ashkenazi baseline	Separate worlds
Rishonim dispute	Pre-SA disagreement	Document in makor, encode SA resolution
Acharonim dispute	Post-SA disagreement	Encode in child worlds
Practical vs theoretical	Application differs	Context modifiers

The Mechaber-Rema Pattern¶

The most common machloket in Yoreh Deah:

% Mechaber's position (Sefardi baseline)
rule(r_mechaber_position).
makor(r_mechaber_position, sa("yd:XX:Y")).
scope(r_mechaber_position, mechaber).
asserts(mechaber, some_ruling(X)).

% Rema's disagreement (Ashkenazi baseline)
rule(r_rema_position).
makor(r_rema_position, rema("yd:XX:Y")).
scope(r_rema_position, rema).
override(rema, some_ruling(X), alternative_ruling).
asserts(rema, alternative_ruling(X)).

% Mark the machloket
machloket(topic_name, mechaber, rema, X) :-
    some_condition(X).

Fish and Dairy: Complete Machloket Example¶

% ============================================================
% MACHLOKET: Fish with Dairy
% Mechaber: Forbidden due to sakana (danger)
% Rema: Permitted (no sakana concern)
% ============================================================

% === Mechaber's Position ===
rule(r_bb_dag_sakana).
makor(r_bb_dag_sakana, sa("yd:87:3")).
makor(r_bb_dag_sakana, beit_yosef("yd:87")).
scope(r_bb_dag_sakana, mechaber).

% Mechaber asserts sakana
asserts(mechaber, sakana(M)) :-
    is_dag_chalav_mixture(M).

% Sakana leads to eating prohibition
asserts(mechaber, issur(achiila, M, sakana)) :-
    is_dag_chalav_mixture(M).

% === Rema's Override ===
rule(r_rema_dag_chalav_mutar).
makor(r_rema_dag_chalav_mutar, rema("yd:87:3")).
makor(r_rema_dag_chalav_mutar, taz("yd:87:3")).
makor(r_rema_dag_chalav_mutar, shach("yd:87:5")).
scope(r_rema_dag_chalav_mutar, rema).

% Override the sakana ruling
override(rema, sakana(M), no_sakana) :-
    is_dag_chalav_mixture(M).

override(rema, issur(achiila, M, sakana), permitted) :-
    is_dag_chalav_mixture(M).

% Explicitly assert permission
asserts(rema, heter(achiila, M)) :-
    is_dag_chalav_mixture(M).

asserts(rema, no_sakana(M)) :-
    is_dag_chalav_mixture(M).

% === Mark the Machloket ===
machloket(dag_chalav_sakana, mechaber, rema, M) :-
    is_dag_chalav_mixture(M).

Rishonim Disputes Encoded Through SA¶

When Rishonim disagree and the SA rules:

% SA follows Rambam, not Rosh, on this point
rule(r_following_rambam_view).
makor(r_following_rambam_view, sa("yd:XX:Y")).
makor(r_following_rambam_view, rambam("Hilchot X:Y:Z")).
% Note: Rosh's view in Tur, but SA did not follow it
% See: Beit Yosef for reasoning

scope(r_following_rambam_view, mechaber).
asserts(mechaber, the_ruling(X)).

Context Modifiers¶

Lechatchila vs Bedieved¶

Lechatchila (לכתחילה): The ideal, ab initio ruling - what should be done.

Bedieved (בדיעבד): After the fact - what is accepted if already done.

% Context encoding
context_type(lechatchila).  % Ideal/beforehand
context_type(bedieved).     % After the fact

% Example: Bitul may work bedieved but not lechatchila
asserts(mechaber, issur(achiila, M, d_rabanan)) :-
    mixture(M),
    taam_issur(M),
    context(lechatchila).

asserts(mechaber, heter(achiila, M)) :-
    mixture(M),
    taam_issur(M),
    bitul_shishim(M),    % Has 60:1 ratio
    context(bedieved).   % Already mixed

Hefsed Merubah (Significant Loss)¶

Hebrew: הפסד מרובה

Definition: Circumstances involving substantial financial or material loss.

Effect: May permit reliance on lenient opinions that would not apply otherwise.

% Context: significant loss
context(ctx_hefsed).

% Rule may be more lenient in hefsed
asserts(W, heter(achiila, M)) :-
    world(W),
    mixture(M),
    safek_issur(M, d_rabanan),  % Doubtful rabbinic issur
    context(ctx_hefsed),         % Significant loss
    has_lenient_opinion(M).      % Lenient opinion exists

Shaat HaDchak (Pressing Circumstances)¶

Hebrew: שעת הדחק

Definition: Emergency or pressing circumstances that require immediate action.

Effect: Similar to hefsed, may permit lenient rulings.

% Context: pressing circumstances
context(ctx_shaat_hadchak).

% More lenient in shaat hadchak
asserts(W, permitted_b_shaat_hadchak(Action, Food)) :-
    world(W),
    safek_issur(Food, d_rabanan),
    context(ctx_shaat_hadchak),
    not explicit_issur_doraita(Food).

Context Hierarchy¶

graph TD
    A[ctx_normal<br/>Standard circumstances] --> B[ctx_hefsed<br/>Significant loss]
    B --> C[ctx_shaat_hadchak<br/>Pressing circumstances]
    C --> D[ctx_choleh<br/>Sick person needs]
    D --> E[ctx_pikuach_nefesh<br/>Life-threatening]

    style E fill:#ffcdd2

Encoding Context Levels:

% Context strength ordering
context_strength(ctx_normal, 1).
context_strength(ctx_hefsed, 2).
context_strength(ctx_shaat_hadchak, 3).
context_strength(ctx_choleh, 4).
context_strength(ctx_pikuach_nefesh, 5).

% Higher context may override lower stringency
may_override(Context1, Stringency) :-
    context_strength(Context1, Strength),
    stringency_threshold(Stringency, Threshold),
    Strength >= Threshold.

Sakana vs Issur¶

Key Distinction¶

Issur (איסור): A halachic prohibition based on Torah or rabbinic law.

Sakana (סכנה): A danger or health concern.

% Issur has madrega levels
issur(Action, Food, Madrega) :-
    madrega_type(Madrega).  % d_oraita, d_rabanan, etc.

% Sakana is a separate category
sakana(Thing) :-
    is_dangerous(Thing).

% Both can lead to prohibition, but with different properties
asserts(W, forbidden_action(achiila, Food)) :-
    holds(issur(achiila, Food, _), W).

asserts(W, forbidden_action(achiila, Food)) :-
    holds(sakana(Food), W).

Differences in Treatment¶

Aspect	Issur	Sakana
Source	Torah/Rabbinic law	Health/danger
Bitul	May apply (60:1)	Generally does not apply
Safek	Depends on madrega	Chamira sakanta me'issura
Stringency	Per madrega	Often stricter than issur

Chamira Sakanta Me'issura¶

Hebrew: חמירא סכנתא מאיסורא

Translation: Danger is more stringent than prohibition.

Implication: Health concerns are treated more strictly than halachic prohibitions.

% Sakana is more stringent than issur
more_stringent(sakana, issur(_, _, d_rabanan)).
more_stringent(sakana, issur(_, _, minhag)).

% Sakana does not have bitul
not_subject_to_bitul(X) :-
    sakana(X).

% Even safek sakana is treated stringently
resolves_to(W, safek_sakana(X), forbidden) :-
    world(W).  % In all worlds, safek sakana is stringent

Kli (Vessel) Status¶

Vessel Categories¶

Category	Hebrew	Definition	Example
Kli Rishon	כלי ראשון	Vessel on fire/heat source	Pot on stove
Kli Sheni	כלי שני	First transfer from heat	Bowl soup was poured into
Kli Shlishi	כלי שלישי	Second transfer	Cup from the bowl

Heat Transfer Rules¶

% Kli status affects cooking (bishul)
kli_status(Vessel, kli_rishon) :-
    on_heat_source(Vessel).

kli_status(Vessel2, kli_sheni) :-
    transferred_from(Vessel1, Vessel2),
    kli_status(Vessel1, kli_rishon).

kli_status(Vessel3, kli_shlishi) :-
    transferred_from(Vessel2, Vessel3),
    kli_status(Vessel2, kli_sheni).

% Kli rishon can cause bishul
causes_bishul(Vessel) :-
    kli_status(Vessel, kli_rishon),
    temp_status(Vessel, yad_soledet_bo).

% Kli sheni generally does not cause bishul
% (with exceptions for certain foods - kalei habishul)
not_causes_bishul(Vessel) :-
    kli_status(Vessel, kli_sheni),
    not contains_kalei_habishul(Vessel).

Bitul (Nullification)¶

Bitul Shishim (60:1 Nullification)¶

Hebrew: ביטול בששים

Rule: A forbidden substance is nullified if mixed with 60 times its volume of permitted substance.

% Bitul shishim
is_batel_b_shishim(Mixture) :-
    mixture(Mixture),
    issur_component(Mixture, Issur),
    heter_component(Mixture, Heter),
    ratio(Mixture, Heter, Issur, Ratio),
    Ratio >= 60.

% Bitul allows consumption
asserts(W, heter(achiila, M)) :-
    world(W),
    is_batel_b_shishim(M),
    not davar_sheyesh_lo_matirin(M),  % Not a case that will become permitted
    not min_b_mino(M).                 % Or special same-species rules

Exceptions to Bitul¶

Exception	Hebrew	Rule
Davar sheyesh lo matirin	דבר שיש לו מתירין	Thing that will become permitted - not nullified
Min b'mino	מין במינו	Same species mixing - stricter rules
Beriah	בריה	Whole creature - not nullified
Chatichah hare'uyah l'hitchabed	חתיכה הראויה להתכבד	Important piece - not nullified

% Exceptions prevent bitul
not_subject_to_bitul(M) :-
    davar_sheyesh_lo_matirin(M).

not_subject_to_bitul(M) :-
    contains_beriah(M).

not_subject_to_bitul(M) :-
    chatichah_harauyah_l_hitchabed(M).

Encoding Reference Quick Table¶

Concept	Predicate	Example
Torah level	`madrega(R, d_oraita)`	Beheima + chalav
Rabbinic level	`madrega(R, d_rabanan)`	Of + chalav
Custom	`madrega(R, minhag)`	6-hour wait
Stringency	`madrega(R, chumra)`	Extra precaution
Doubt	`safek(Food)`	Unknown status
Double doubt	`sfek_sfeika(F, D1, D2)`	Two independent doubts
Danger	`sakana(Food)`	Fish + dairy (Mechaber)
Dispute	`machloket(Topic, P1, P2, X)`	Mechaber vs Rema
Normal context	`ctx_normal`	Standard circumstances
Loss context	`ctx_hefsed`	Significant loss
Emergency	`ctx_shaat_hadchak`	Pressing circumstances
Vessel status	`kli_status(V, kli_rishon)`	Pot on fire
Nullification	`is_batel_b_shishim(M)`	60:1 ratio

Source Attribution - Citing halachic sources
Machloket Handling - Encoding disputes
World Scoping - When to use which world
Halachic Accuracy - Verification requirements

Halachic Concepts for Encoders¶

Authority Hierarchy¶

Madrega Levels (Obligation Hierarchy)¶

D'oraita (Torah Level)¶

D'rabanan (Rabbinic Level)¶

Minhag (Custom)¶

Chumra (Stringency)¶

Safek Resolution Principles¶

Core Safek Rules¶

Safek D'oraita L'chumra¶

Safek D'rabanan L'kula¶

Sfek Sfeika (Double Doubt)¶

Chazaka (Presumption)¶

Machloket Patterns¶

Types of Halachic Disputes¶

The Mechaber-Rema Pattern¶

Fish and Dairy: Complete Machloket Example¶

Rishonim Disputes Encoded Through SA¶

Context Modifiers¶

Lechatchila vs Bedieved¶

Hefsed Merubah (Significant Loss)¶

Shaat HaDchak (Pressing Circumstances)¶

Context Hierarchy¶

Sakana vs Issur¶

Key Distinction¶

Differences in Treatment¶

Chamira Sakanta Me'issura¶

Kli (Vessel) Status¶

Vessel Categories¶

Heat Transfer Rules¶

Bitul (Nullification)¶

Bitul Shishim (60:1 Nullification)¶

Exceptions to Bitul¶

Encoding Reference Quick Table¶

Related Guidelines¶