Kitzur Shulchan Aruch by Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried: what it is, structure and translations

October 18, 2026

The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (קיצור שולחן ערוך), “Abridged Shulchan Aruch,” is a summary of Jewish law written by Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried, a Hungarian Jew, in Uzhhorod. It was first published in 1864, in simple Hebrew that made it accessible to laypeople. It was very popular from the start and is still widely studied in Orthodox Judaism today.

Quick facts

What it is and what it was written for

It is a summary of Karo’s 16th-century Shulchan Aruch, mainly of the Orach Chaim and Yoreh Deah sections, which are the most relevant for everyday life: see the guide to the Shulchan Aruch. It generally follows its structure and covers daily life, prayer, Shabbat, fasts, marriage, festivals and other aspects of religious life. It presents the laws without listing differing opinions or giving reasons, and interweaves ethical maxims.

In his introduction, Ganzfried says that it contains the laws essential for all Jews and describes it as useful for businessmen with no time to study the Shulchan Aruch and its commentaries, and for educating youth.

Sources and approach

Ganzfried based his rulings on three Ashkenazi authorities: Yaakov Lorberbaum, Shneur Zalman of Liadi (see his biography) and Avraham Danzig. When they disagreed, he adopted the majority opinion. He also relied on the customs of the Hungarian Jews of his time. It is known for its strict rulings.

How it is used

It is not used as a basis for legal decisions: rabbis turn to the full Shulchan Aruch and later works. There is a daily program, the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Yomi, which completes it in a year, with the laws of each festival reviewed before it, in five to ten minutes a day.

Commentaries and additions

• Many editions cross-reference the Shulchan Aruch HaRav and the Mishnah Berurah: see the biography of the Chofetz Chaim.
• Darkei Halacha, by Mordechai Eliyahu, adds references to Sephardic authorities.
• Many editions include an appendix on the laws of the Land of Israel, compiled by the Chazon Ish.
• Shlomo Zalman Braun wrote Sha’arim Metzuyanim BeHalacha, which applies the work to contemporary problems.
• Ganzfried considered commenting on it unnecessary.

Translations

• English: Hyman E. Goldin, Code of Jewish Law (the article gives 1961 and also 1927); Metsudah (1987), by Avrohom Davis; Moznaim (1991), by Eliyahu Touger; and ArtScroll (2011), under the direction of Eliyahu Klugman.
• Spanish: Nosson Grunblatt, in two volumes.
• Sefaria notes that it has been translated into five languages.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote it?

Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried, in Uzhhorod, in 1864.

How does it differ from the Shulchan Aruch?

It is a simple summary, without differing opinions or reasoning, meant for laypeople.

Is it used to issue rulings?

No. It is studied as a handbook of daily life; for rulings, one turns to the full Shulchan Aruch and later works.