Talmud
What is the Talmud?
The Talmud (‘study, teaching’) is the most significant work in Judaism after the Torah. This extensive collection of oral teachings contains interpretations and legal rulings by Jewish scholars spanning many centuries. The Talmud serves as a kind of ‘guide’ to Jewish religious law (Halakha). It explains how legal provisions, the laws of the Torah and rabbinical rulings are to be understood and applied in everyday life. There are two versions: the Jerusalem Talmud and the Babylonian Talmud.
The French rabbi Rashi of Troyes studied in Magenza and Warmaisa. He then undertook the immense task of annotating the entire Talmud. These annotations remain an integral part of every printed edition of the Talmud to this day. From Rashi’s death (1105) right through to the 13th century, eminent scholars added supplements (Tosafot) to the great master’s commentaries. They are therefore known as ‘Tosafists’.
The Torah (‘Instruction’) is the foundation of Jewish life. It comprises the Five Books of Moses and is read in the synagogue in weekly portions over the course of a year. The Torah is the primary source of Jewish law, ethics and customs. The Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) consists of three parts: the Torah, the Prophets and the Writings. In Christianity, the Tanakh corresponds to the Old Testament.
Halacha (‘way of life’) refers to the body of laws and regulations governing all areas of life, from interpersonal relationships and ritual observances to aspects of criminal and civil law. Above all, Halacha is an oral interpretation of the 613 commandments and prohibitions (mitzvot) of the Torah, which has continued to evolve throughout history.