Orach Chayim

Orach Chayim, (manner/way of life) is a section of Rabbi Jacob ben Asher's compilation of Halakha (Jewish law), Arba'ah Turim. This section addresses aspects of Jewish law pertinent to the Hebrew calendar (be it the daily, weekly, monthly, or annual calendar). Rabbi Yosef Karo modeled the framework of the Shulkhan Arukh (שולחן ערוך), his own compilation of practical Jewish law, after the Arba'ah Turim. Many later commentators used this framework, as well. Thus, Orach Chayim in common usage may refer to another area of halakha, separate from Rabbi Jacob ben Asher's compilation.

Orach Chayim deals with, but is not limited to:

• Washing the hands in the morning,
• Tefillin
• Tzitzit (ritual fringes),
• Prayer,
• Sabbath,
• Festivals,
• Torah reading in synagogue.