importance of the talmud

• what is the talmud?

  • the oral torah
  • contains systems of laws based on the teachings of the torah with explanations on how they should be practised in daily life
  • split into 2: mishnah (the oral torah itself) and the gemara (explanations and clarifications of the mishnah)
• why is the talmud important?

  • given by god to moses at the same time as the written torah and is therefore sacred
  • because it has been passed down from rabbi to rabbi, it contrains generations of wisdom
• uses of the talmud:

  • explains and interprets the laws in the torah
  • studying it is a way to get closer to god by understanding his mind
  • reflects changing needs of the jewish community overtime
  • taught in reform rabbinical schools as a source of inspiration