- Torah and Jewish Thought
- Written & Oral Torah
64
Question
Hello Rabbi,
What is the difference between the Talmud, Mishnah, and Gemara?
Best,
Sophia
Answer
ב"ה
The Mishna is the first major written collection of the Jewish oral traditions that are known as the Oral Torah. It is divided into 6 categories. It was edited ,by Rabbi Yehuda Hanassi. Its completion was somewhere between 120-150 years after the destruction of the second Bet Hamikdash. The Mishna contains the opinions of the scholars of the Land of Israel at that time, who were known by the name "Tanaim". It was written in Hebrew.
The Talmud and Gemara are on and the same. Just that the word "Talmud "is in Hebrew, while the word "Gemara "is Aramaic. The Talmud explores and expounds the Mishna and derives from their all the laws of the torah for practical application. It was written in Babylonia, by scholars who are known by the name "Amoraim". It was edited by two Amoraim, Ravina and Rav Ashi at the end of the 5th century CE.
To sum up, the Mishna is the basis of Jewish law and our Oral tradition, while the Talmud expounds the Mishna. There is of course a lot more to be said on this issue, but I have chosen to be concise.
All the best

WALKING ERECT
Rabbi David Sperling | Tishrei 20, 5784

Tefillin as symbolic and not objects
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Sivan 7, 5779

a mishna
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 16, 5782

source for אין מוקדם ומאוחר בתורה
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 1, 5783

Is the Shulchan Hatahor (Komarno) acceptable for halacha?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 25, 5785

Bedikat chametz
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 11, 5785

Which Prophets did Israel kill?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar 25, 5785
