The Gemara, which in Aramaic means to study and to know is a collection of scholarly discussions on Jewish law dating from around 200 to 500AD. The discussions pick up on statements in the Mishnah (1) but refer to other works including the Torah.

What did the Amoraim do?

The Amoraim followed the Tannaim in the sequence of ancient Jewish scholars. The Tannaim were direct transmitters of uncodified oral tradition; the Amoraim expounded upon and clarified the oral law after its initial codification.

Is the Talmud and Gemara the same?

Both these synonymous terms derive from words meaning study or learning. Talmud is Hebrew, whereas Gemara (in the present sense) is found only in the Aramaic dialect of the Babylonian Talmud. The Talmud is composed in a mixture of Hebrew and Aramaic (the latter was the spoken vernacular of Babylonian Jews).

Is the Gemara part of the Talmud?

The Gemara (also transliterated Gemarah, or in Ashkenazi pronunciation Gemore; from Aramaic , from the Hebrew verb gamar, to finish or complete) is the component of the Talmud comprising rabbinical analysis of and commentary on the Mishnah.

Did the Amoraim write the Talmud?

Because the Babylonian amoraim worked about a century longer than their counterparts in Palestine, completing their work about ad 500, the Talmud Bavli (Babylonian Talmud) was more comprehensive and, consequently, more authoritative than the Talmud Yerushalmi (Palestinian Talmud), which lacks the Babylonian …

Who killed Rabbi Akiva?

When Turnus Rufus, as he is called in Jewish sources, ordered Akiva’s execution, Akiva is said to have recited his prayers calmly, though suffering agonies; and when Rufus asked him whether he was a sorcerer, since he felt no pain, Akiva replied, I am no sorcerer; but I rejoice at the opportunity now given to me to …

How many Tannaim are there?

120 There are approximately 120 known Tannaim. The Tannaim lived in several areas of the Land of Israel. The spiritual center of Judaism at that time was Jerusalem, but after the destruction of the city and the Second Temple, Yohanan ben Zakkai and his students founded a new religious center in Yavne.

Does the Talmud talk about Jesus?

There are several passages in the Talmud which are believed by some scholars to be references to Jesus. The name used in the Talmud is Yeshu, the Aramaic vocalization (although not spelling) of the Hebrew name Yeshua.

What is the Talmud in the Bible?

The Talmud, meaning ‘teaching’ is an ancient text containing Jewish sayings, ideas and stories. It includes the Mishnah (oral law) and the Gemara (‘Completion’). The Mishnah is a large collection of sayings, arguments and counter-arguments that touch on virtually all areas of life.

What are the 7 Laws of Judaism?

The Seven Laws of Noah include prohibitions against worshipping idols, cursing God, murder, adultery and sexual immorality, theft, eating flesh torn from a living animal, as well as the obligation to establish courts of justice.

What did the Geonim do?

The Geonim played a prominent and decisive role in the transmission and teaching of Torah and Jewish law. They taught Talmud and decided on issues on which no ruling had been rendered during the period of the Talmud. The Geonim were also spiritual leaders of the Jewish community of their time.

What does Tanna Kama mean?

A conflict of opinions in regard to a certain law. Tana Kama. The first Tanna Used when there is a Second opinion, Often the first opinion is anonymous.

Who wrote the Talmud?

Tradition ascribes the compilation of the Babylonian Talmud in its present form to two Babylonian sages, Rav Ashi and Ravina II. Rav Ashi was president of the Sura Academy from 375 to 427. The work begun by Rav Ashi was completed by Ravina, who is traditionally regarded as the final Amoraic expounder.

What happened to bar Kokhba?

Jerusalem was retaken, and Severus gradually wore down and constricted the rebels’ area of operation, until in 135 Bar Kokhba was himself killed at Bethar, his stronghold southwest of Jerusalem.

What is Mishnah in English?

Compiled around 200 by Judah the Prince, the Mishnah, meaning ‘repetition’, is the earliest authoritative body of Jewish oral law. It records the views of rabbinic sages known as the Tannaim (from the Aramaic ‘tena’, meaning to teach).