Responsa, Responsa

The responsa accordingly contain rulings on ethics, business ethics, the philosophy of religion, astronomy, mathematics, history, geography, as well as interpretations of passages in the Bible, the Mishnah, the Talmud and the Midrash. Thus, while early Jewish literature has few historical works, many notes on the history of Judaism have been introduced into the responsa.

Older responsa are also important for readings and emendations of the Mishnah and the Talmud.

Source: Wikipedia > Responsa