THE BABYLONIAN TALMUD
The word 'Talmud' literally means 'study'. The Talmud is sometimes Referred to as the Shas. Shas is a shortened form of the term 'Shisha Sedarim (six orders), a reference to the six orders of the Mishna.
There are two distinct works known as Talmud: the Yerushalmi
(Jerusalem or Palestinian) Talmud and the Bavli (Babylonian Talmud). However, the Babylonian Talmud has greater popularity and authority, Therefore, the generic term 'Talmud' almost always refers to the Babylonian Talmud. The generic 'gemara' thus refers to the Gemara of the Babylonian Talmud. References to the Jerusalem Talmud are explicitly Qualified.
Traditionally, the Talmud is the supreme sourcebook of Law, as it
Takes the rules listed in the Torah and describes how to apply them to Different circumstances. Although technically not a legal code (other Works were created for that purpose), it is the ultimate source Material that is used to decide all matters of Halakha (Jewish law).
Traditional rabbis study the Talmud in depth; however, they use the
Actual Talmud very rarely, preferring to accept opinions in later law Codes as binding. Study of Talmud for its own sake is considered a Great mitzvah.
Conservative rabbis also consider Halakha as binding, but do not
Always accept the most recent and stringent opinions in the latest law Codes as absolutely binding; As such they use the Talmud in the same Way that rabbi’s of past eras used to use it. This is theoretically Still an option in the Orthodox community, but in practice is used Very rarely.
Reform and Reconstructionist Jews do not teach Talmud in their Hebrew Schools, but do teach it in their rabbinical seminaries. This material Is used as part of the research into the application of Torah law, but The research also includes study of the larger context of the time, In addition, the parallels to other co-existent societies.
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