Rabbi Joseph Karo (1488-1575) was a prominent Jewish scholar and legal authority known for his work in Jewish law, or Halakha. He is best known for his major legal code, the Shulchan Aruch, which serves as a comprehensive guide for Jewish law and practice. Karo's writings have had a lasting impact on Jewish communities around the world. Born in Spain, Karo later moved to Safed in Israel, where he became a leading figure in the Kabbalistic movement. His contributions to Jewish thought and law continue to be studied and respected by scholars and practitioners alike, making him a key figure in Jewish history.