Individual and Community: Rights and Obligations as Reflected in Two Nineteenth Century Responsa

This essay examines the relevance of the responsa literature to the investigation of the issue of "individual and community" in modern times. It does so through an analysis of two nineteenth century Hungarian responsa, written by Rabbis Moses Sofer and Moses Schick. The analysis indicates that exrra-halakhic considerations were introduced into the halakhic discourse in both cases. The ultimate decision in both responsa was largely determined by these exfra-halakhic factors.