Halacha refers to the comprehensive legal and ethical framework that governs the religious, moral, and daily lives of observant Jews. The term originates from the Hebrew root “halakh,” meaning “to walk” or “to go.” The roots of the term reflect the belief that Jewish law represents a way of life. Halacha encompasses laws derived from the Torah (the Written Law), the Talmud (the Oral Law), and later rabbinic interpretations and rulings. It regulates both ritual observance, such as prayer, dietary laws (kashrut), and Sabbath observance, as well as civil matters such as business ethics, marriage, and interpersonal relationships.

The development of Halacha is dynamic, involving centuries of interpretation and adaptation by rabbinic authorities. Key texts include the Mishnah, Talmud, and later analyses such as Maimonides’s Mishneh Torah and the Shulchan Aruch by Rabbi Joseph Karo. Halacha functions as a living legal system, maintaining continuity with tradition while remaining responsive to new realities. For observant Jews, Halacha is not merely a set of rules but a spiritual framework for cultivating a meaningful, sacred life.

A central conflict of The Life and Times of Hoodie Rosen is Hoodie’s struggle to balance the expectation that he adhere to Halacha with his desire to forge his own path.