Ketzos HaChoshen

The Ketzos HaChoshen is the major writing by Rabbi Aryeh Leib Heller (1745–1812)^[1] on the basis of which he is known as "The Ketzos".^[2] The first printing was in Lviv^[3]

Importance

The Ketzos HaChoshen (Ends of the Breastplate) is a halachic work which explains difficult passages in the Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat (which deals mainly with business and financial laws such as contracts, witnesses etc.) with novel ideas proposed by Rabbi Aryeh Leib.^[4]

Familiarity with this work is considered mandatory for any Torah scholar or Dayan. It is customarily studied in conjunction with Nesivot HaMishpat, written by Rav Yaakov Lorberbaum,^[5] who often controverted Rabbi Heller's conclusions on many points.

The Ketzos's sefer is often published in tandem with his brother Yehuda Heller's book, Kuntras Ha'Sfeikos as a two-volume set.^[6]

References

1. Haviv, Mordechai (2014-05-12). Be'er Mayim Chayim. ISBN 9781499531145.
2. Even though he wrote other major works; this is similar to how Rabbi Yisroel Meir Kagan is known as The Chofetz Chaim even though he also wrote other major works.
3. "Today in History". Hamodia. January 16, 2017.
4. Ex. "Expense accounts" (PDF).
5. who is therefore known as The "Ba'al HaNesivos."
6. ISBN 9789655541069