Table of Contents
Content and Structure
| Element | Description | Hebrew Term | Period | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talmud | Central work of Rabbinic Judaism based on the Oral Law | תַּלְמוּד | 3rd–6th century CE | Combination of Mishnah and Gemara |
| Mishnah | Systematic compilation of the Oral Law | מִשְׁנָה | c. 200 CE | Foundational text of the Talmud, organized by topics |
| Gemara | Rabbinic commentary and discussion of the Mishnah | גְּמָרָא | 3rd–6th century CE | Analysis, debate, and interpretation |
| Babylonian Talmud | The most authoritative and widely studied version | תַּלְמוּד בַּבְלִי | 5th–6th century CE | More complete and influential |
| Jerusalem Talmud | Earlier and less complete version | תַּלְמוּד יְרוּשַׁלְמִי | 4th century CE | Tradition of the Land of Israel |
| General Structure | Division into six major orders (Sedarim) | שִׁשָּׁה סְדָרִים | – | Framework inherited from the Mishnah |
| Orders (Sedarim) | Main thematic divisions | סְדָרִים | – | Six fundamental sections |
| Tractates | Subdivisions within each order | מַסֶּכְתּוֹת | – | Approximately 63 tractates |
| Chapters | Internal divisions of the tractates | פְּרָקִים | – | Hierarchical textual structure |
| Content | Law, ethics, narrative, and interpretation | הלכה / אגדה | – | Halakhah (law) and Aggadah (narrative) |
| Language | Language of the texts | עברית / ארמית | – | Hebrew and Aramaic |
Books
| Order | Hebrew Name | Meaning | Tractates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zeraim | Seeds | Berakhot – Blessings Peah – Corner of the Field Demai – Doubtful Produce Kilaim – Mixed Species Shevi’it – Seventh Year Terumot – Offerings Ma’aserot – Tithes Ma’aser Sheni – Second Tithe Challah – Dough Offering Orlah – Uncircumcised Trees Bikkurim – First Fruits |
| 2 | Moed | Festivals | Shabbat – Sabbath Eruvin – Boundaries / Connections Pesachim – Passover Shekalim – Shekels Yoma – The Day (Day of Atonement) Sukkah – Booths / Tabernacles Beitzah – Egg (Festival Laws) Rosh Hashanah – New Year Taanit – Fasting Megillah – The Scroll Moed Katan – Minor Festival Chagigah – Festival Offering |
| 3 | Nashim | Women | Yevamot – Levirate Marriage Ketubot – Marriage Contracts Nedarim – Vows Nazir – Nazirite Sotah – Suspected Adulteress Gittin – Divorce Documents Kiddushin – Betrothal / Sanctification |
| 4 | Nezikin | Damages | Bava Kamma – First Gate Bava Metzia – Middle Gate Bava Batra – Last Gate Sanhedrin – Courts / Judiciary Makkot – Punishments Shevuot – Oaths Eduyot – Testimonies Avodah Zarah – Idolatry Pirkei Avot – Sayings of the Fathers Horayot – Judicial Decisions |
| 5 | Kodashim | Holy Things | Zevachim – Animal Sacrifices Menachot – Grain Offerings Chullin – Ordinary / Profane Matters Bechorot – Firstborn Arachin – Valuations Temurah – Substitution Keritot – Spiritual Excision Me’ilah – Misuse of Sacred Property Tamid – Daily Offering Middot – Measurements (of the Temple) Kinnim – Bird Nests |
| 6 | Tehorot | Purities | Kelim – Vessels Ohalot – Tents Negaim – Afflictions / Leprosy Parah – Red Heifer Teharot – Purity Laws Mikvaot – Ritual Baths Niddah – Menstrual Impurity Machshirim – Preparatory Liquids Zavim – Bodily Discharges Tebul Yom – One Immersed During the Day Yadayim – Hands (Purity Laws) Uktzin – Stalks / Fruit Stems |