In the Hebrew traditions of studying the writings of the Talmud and Torah there are sometimes discrepancies in the ancient text that are open to interpretation.
For a member of the synagogue the translation of the scripture may be taken one way and for another scholar the writings may be understood in an entirely different light.
Although the Rabbi of the synagogue is the highest authority and may answer questions pertaining to the word of God, there are other references that can be used to gain insight and understanding into the ancient passages of scripture.
By reading the summations and inspired thoughts that are provided by the Shulchan Aruch, a person that is concerned about a point of Hebrew law can gain understanding of the scriptures.
Additionally the Smicha is available to help communicate the difficult to follow writings that are recorded in the five books of Moses.
With the laws of Moses contained in the scriptures of the Torah and Talmud, the traditional teachings of the Jewish people have been handed down from one generation to another for thousands of years.
In keeping with the sacred ordinances that are chronicled in the scriptural scrolls, the laws that are followed today are sometimes subject to personal interpretation.
To help clarify the confusion that sometimes surrounds the poetic Hebrew way of writing, the Shulchan Aruch and Smicha have the answers to help clearly define the holy text.
Written hundreds of years ago by scholarly Rabbis the two reference books are as important to the faith of the Jewish people as the Talmud and Torah are.
For men that wish to understand the writings better there are classes available to help decipher the scriptures that are taught on the Sabbath.