Talmud

• The Talmud is considered to be the Oral Torah. It was passed down from Rabbi to Rabbi for generations before being written down.
• Many Jews study the Talmud as it is believed to be a sacred text and gives an understanding of Jewish belief and practice. The case studies are used to help make decisions on how the 613 mitzvot should be observed today.
• Some Jews believe it was given by God to Moses at the same time as the written Torah and is therefore sacred. As it was passed down from rabbi to rabbi, it contains generations of wisdom. It gives interpretation of the Torah.
• Considered the Oral Torah. Passed down through Rabbis. There are two Talmuds (Babylonian and Jerusalem), but most Jews follow the Babylonian which has more detailed discussions. Contains systems of laws based on teachings in the Torah. Passed down through generations before being written down.
• The Talmud consists of the Mishnah and the Gemara
• The Mishnah is a collection of sayings made by rabbis about religious law and customs
• The Gemara is a commentary on the Mishnah that explains its meaning and provides examples