Rabbi Joel Sirkes (1561-1640), better known by the acronym BACH, was one of the foremost Talmudic scholars and halakhists of Poland. He authored over 250 responsa as well as one of the premier commentaries upon the Arbah Turim of Rabbi Jacob ben Asher.

This volume addresses itself to two principal challenges:

1. The portrayal of the life and personality of Rabbi Sirkes as well as that of the community of which he was a part. What was the nature of Jew-Gentile relationships during his time? What was the nature of communal organization and social and domestic life? What degree of economic stratification existed? What can we learn of religious institutions and functionaries? How did anti-social behavior manifest itself in the Jewish community?

2. The analysis of Rabbi Joel Sirkes as a halakhic decisor. What is his approach in issuing legal rulings? In which areas does he manifest stringency, and in which is he noteworthy for his leniency?