Harav Yechiel Michel Epstein (the Arukh HaShulchan) 1829–1908Harav Yechiel Michel ha-Levi Epstein, renowned as "the Aruch haShulchan" for his monumental Torah literary contribution, Harav Yechiel Michel ha-Levi Epstein, famous as "the Aruch haShulchan" for his monumental Torah literary contribution, the "Aruch HaShulchan" stood as a distinguished Torah luminary. He held the esteemed position of chief Lithuanian Rabbi and Posek. The Arukha HaShulchan is a seminal halachic work. This comprehensive text meticulously organizes and presents Jewish law, concisely summarizing sources for each chapter of Shulchan Arukh and its commentaries. The Aruch Hashulchan meticulously consistently references the Talmud and Ramabm for each law and presents the legal rulings of the Shulchan Arukh alongside the Rema's' glosses.
Furthermore, he judiciously incorporates the perspectives of other Rishonim and Acharonim, occasionally presenting dissenting viewpoints. The Arukh HaShulchan is frequently cited alongside the Mishnah Berurah. The Arukh HaShulchan refers to the Mishnah Berurah in numerous instances. In Charedi circles, the Mishnah Berurah is often regarded as authoritative over the Arukh HaShulchan. Nevertheless, prominent voices assert that the Arukh HaShulchan holds greater authority, given that its author served as a community rabbi and was published after the Mishnah Berurah. Additionally, the Arukh HaShulchan has a broader range of subjects discussed than the Mishnah Berurah.
During his lifetime, the author's work was initially published in several small volumes, beginning with Choshen Mishpat, which includes the author's introduction. Following his passing, his daughter headed the posthumous reprinting of numerous volumes.