Transmission of the Torah

According to the Judaism, the Talmud is not a code created by the men, but the expression of the Will of the Créateur transmitted through the oral Law by Moïse, in an uninterrupted chain: The Prophets, the Wise ones, the Tannaim, the Amoraïm, the Gueonim, the Rishonim and the Aharonim which knew to preserve this treasure in all its purity, to develop it, to put it at the range of each one of us.

" I will give you the Tables of the Law. the Torah and the Ordinance " (Exodus 24-12)

the Torah it is the Law écrite.
the Ordinance it is the oral Law.

Of Brace to the Zougot

Brace wrote all the Torah of its own hand and it gave a specimen of the Sefer Torah to each Tribus of Israel. Another Sefer Torah was preserved in the Holy Arche.

As for the oral Law, she was taught verbally with the wise ones. She was transmitted of Master to disciple, until Ezra HaSofer which constituted an assembly of 120 wise: the Knesset HaGuedola /la Large Parliament which was replaced later by a similar institution, the Sanhédrin.

The wise last of the Large Parliament was Shimon HaTsadik . Sanhédrin counted 71 members and sat in a section of the Temple called Lishkat Hagazit . The work of the Large Parliament was that of wise of this time known under the name of Sofrim , they are the scribes. The anonymity of these wise shows that they worked collectively.

The time of the Zougot , the pars, corresponds approximately at the time of the Greek domination on Israel. Sanhédrin was then directed by of Zougot, couples the wise ones: One was Nassi President of Sanhédrin and the other, its second, was AV Beit-DIN President of the Court.

  • Yossi Ben Yoezer and Yossi Ben Yohanan (war of independence of the Stiffs);
  • Yehochoua Ben Perahia and Itaï de Arbel (time of Hyrcan);
  • Yeoud Ben Tabäi and Shimon Ben Shetah (time of Alexandre Jannée and the Shlomtsion queen);
  • Shemaïa and Avtalyon (time of Jean Hyrcan Ier);
  • Hillel and Shammaï (time of the king Hérode Ier Large the).

Tannaïm

The period of the Tannaim starts at the beginning of the reign of Hérode with Hillel and Shammaï . It lasts of year 10 at year 220 of the vulgar era. The Tanna (plural Tannaim) is that which studies and “repeats” and transmits what he learned from the mouth of his Masters. Tannaim are the authors of the Mishna . This period in 6 generations are cut out:

First generation: (10 to 80 of the vulgar era)

Hillel and Shammaï : Violently opposed on many points; before the destruction of the Temple the school of Shamaï prevailed, but after the war and the devastations, the school of Hillel (lenient and modest) gain the sympathy of the wise ones. After a fight of almost one century, one issued with Yavné: “ the ones like the others are the words of D.ieu Vivant, but the rule will be in conformity with the opinion of the school of Hillel ”. The Masters of this first generation are the school of Shamaï and Hillel; Rabban Gamliel old the ; his/her son Rabbi Chimon Ben Gamliel and Rabban Yohanan Ben Zakkaï founder of the Academy of Yavné. Rabbi Yohanan Ben Zakaï had opposed the revolt against the Romains. He had had a presentiment of that it would be dedicated to the failure. He managed to escape from Jerusalem before the fall of the city and obtained from the emperor Vespasien the authorization to found a spiritual center with Yavné.

Second generation: (80 to 120)

The principal Masters are Rabban Gamliel (of Yavné); Rabbi Eliezer (Ben Hourkenos) and Rabbi Yéochoua (Ben Hanina). This trio symbolizes the group of Kerem de Yavné (the vine of Yavné).

Third generation: (120 - 140)

The Masters are Rabbi Tarfon , Rabbi Ishmaël , Rabbi Akiva , Rabbi Yossi Galiléen . In 132, it is the revolt of Bar Kokhba against Rome. Rabbi Akiva supports it actively and proclaims Bar Kokhba Messie. When the Romans put an end to the revolt, the emperor Adrien promulgates a series of decrees of oppression; inter alia, the study of the prohibited Torah. Rabbi Akiva continues to teach in public: he knew martyrdom after torture and expires the Chéma Israel on the lips. Rabbi Akiva had 24000 pupils who all perished between Pessah and Chavouot, because they had not shown sufficient respect the ones towards the others. Rabbi Akiva will rebuild then with Rabbi Meïr, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochaï, Rabbi Yéouda, Rabbi Yossi Ben Halafta, Rabbi Eléazar Ben Chamoua. Rabbi Akiva declared to them: “ My children, the first died only because they jalousaient the ones the others ”.

Fourth generation: (140 - 170)

  • Rabbi Meïr , coming from a family of proselytes, interprets fascinating and endowed writer, it poses the foundations of the drafting of the Mishna.

  • Rabbi Yéouda (bar Ilaï), moderated, in favor of a compromise with the Romans; it publishes a comment on the Lévitique, the Torat Cohanim .
  • Rabbi Shimon bar Yochaï , followed Rabbi Akiva in his opposition been obstinated to the Roman domination and had to hide several years in a cave with his/her son Rabbi Eléazar. Sound academy left the Midrash im on the Exode, the Mekhilta , on Livre of the Numbers and the Deutéronome, the Sifri . One allots to him a fundamental work of the Kabbale: the Zohar. According to the sources, Torat Hassod , the Mystical Jewish, is divided into two parts: the act of creation (Maassè Bereshit) and the divine Tank (Maassè Merkava). First of a theoretical nature and Creation of the world is milked. The second on the basis of the description of the Celestial Tank by the Prophète Ezéchiel is a study of the relationship between D.ieu and the world and contains in germ what practical Kabbale will be the . Certain wise make an intensive study of it, others only approach it; certain wise do not judge themselves worthy of this knowledge (because one enters there a dangerous field for the heart which takes its take-off) and make only the effleurer.
  • Rabbi Yossi (Ben Halafta), moderated, liked of all, its method is based on a logical solid regarded as reliable.
  • Rabbi Eléazar (Ben Chamoua).
  • Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel .

One says:

  • a anonymous Mishna: of Rabbi Meïr
  • a anonymous Sifra: of Rabbi Yéouda
  • a anonymous Sifri: of Rabbi Shimon
  • a anonymous Seder Olam: of Rabbi Yossi

Schools flowered: in Pékiyn with Rabbi Yéoshoua (Ben Hanina); with Tibériade with Rabbi Meïr; in Sepphoris with Rabbi Yossi (Ben Halafta), with Césarée and Bné Brak with Rabbi Akiba; in Lod with Rabbi Eliezer (Ben Hourkenos); In Yavné with Rabban Yohanan Ben Zakaï; in Oucha with Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel.

Fifth generation: (170 - 200)

It is Rabbi Yehouda HaNassi which will use the work of the former generation to codify the Mishna. It is the last of the Tannaïm. It represents the seventh generation after Hillel the Old one according to the princely filiation of the presidents of the Sanhédrin, the Nessiim :

  1. Hillel
  2. Rabban Shimon I
  3. Rabban Gamliel Old the
  4. Rabban Shimon II (Ben Gamliel) (assassinated by the Romans)
  5. Rabban Gamliel de Yavné
  6. Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel
  7. Rabbi Yehouda HaNassi

When it noted, with the wise ones of its time, that the Torah was likely to be forgotten by the Jews because of the difficulties and misfortunes which fell down on them, Rabbénou Hakadoch (Yehouda HaNassi) wrote the Six Orders of Mishna (the Shass ). The six orders are:

  • Zéra' im (seeds): This order treats mainly relative laws with agriculture and the blessings. It is composed of the treaties: Bérakhot , Péa , Demaï , Kilaïm , Chevi' it , Teroumot , Ma' asserot , Ma' asser chéni , hallah , Orla and Bikourim .
  • Mo' ED (go/festival): This order treats mainly relative laws with the calendar like the Shabbat and the festivals. It is composed of the treaties: shabbat , érouvin , Péssa' him , Shekalim , Yoma , Souka , Beitsa , rosh hashana , Ta' anit , Méguila , Mo' ED katane and Haguiga .
  • Nachim (women): This order treats mainly relative laws with the marriage and subjects which are dependant there like the divorce or the marital fidelity but also of the wishes and the naziréen. It is composed of the treaties: Yevamot , Ketouvot , Nedarim , to nazir , Sota , Guittin and Kiddoushin .
  • Nézikin (damage): This order treats mainly relative laws with the civil laws and penal, idolatry, of ethics and morals. It is composed of the treaties: Baba kama , Baba metsi' has , Baba will batra , sanhédrine , Makkot , Chevou' ot , édouyot , Avoda will zara , '' avot '' ('' pirké '' -) and Horayot .
  • Kodachim (crowned objects): This order treats mainly relative laws with the ritual slaughter (che' hita), with the sacrifices and the Temple. It is composed of the treaties: Zéva' him , Ména' hot , Houllin , Békhorot , Arakhin E , Témoura , Kritout , Mé' ila , Tamid , Midot and Kinim .
  • Toharot (purities): This order treats mainly relative laws with the purity and the ritual impurity. It is composed of the treaties: Kélim , Ohalot , Néga' im , para , Toharot , Mikvaot , Nidda , Makhshirim , Zavim , Tvoul yom , Yadaïm and Ouktsine .

Sixth generation: (200 - 220)

This generation is that of the " semi Tannaïm" , it constitutes the period hinge between Tannaïm and Amoraïm. Rabbi Hiya composes the Tossefta , collection of all the laws that Rabbi Yehouda HaNassi, by preoccupations with a concision had not introduced into Mishna.

Rabbi Ochaya and Bar Kapara composes the Braïtot , which are the summaries of the books written after Mishna and which come to explain it.

During the time of Tannaïm, the population of the Ground of Israel was very violently persecuted by the invader and a great part emigrated in Babylonia. Of universities were founded there.

Amoraïm

The most famous Académies are those of Pumbedita Soura and Nehardéa . The wise ones explain Mishna there written by Tannaïm. They are called the Amoraïm . (of the verb amar to say). The interpreters of Mishna, Amoraïm, are the authors of the Gémara. Their authority is lower than that of Tannaïm, and of this fact cannot contradict them. Amoraïm are divided into two geographical centers: the Babylonia and the Ground of Israel. But it is the Talmud of Babylon which holds the attention. Its drafting was done with much more precision and of rigor, and generation after generation, one corrects the details. The Talmud of Jerusalem, was compiled to him with haste and without much precision. This period will extend from dead from Rabbi Yehouda HaNassi until the drafting from the Talmud from Babylon.

  • First generation:

Between 220 and 260 Rav Abba , called Rav , sets up a center in Babylonia, " ordonné" by Rabbi Yehouda HaNassi itself, it settles in the small town of Soura; another center of study is created by Chemouel in Nehardéa. Rav and Chemouel have as a model the study of the Torah in Babylonia. In Soura, Rav Houna disciple of Rav ensures the succession.

  • Second generation: (260 - 375)

    • Academy of Soura: Rav Houna
    • Academy of Pumbedita: Rav Yéouda
    • Academy of Nehardéa: Rav Nahman

  • Third generation:

Rav Hisda , Rabba , Rav Yossef , Rav Chéchet and Oula .

  • Fourth generation: 375 - 427

Rav DAD

  • Fifth generation: (427 - 468)
    • Academy of Soura: RAV ACHI
    • Academy of Pumbedita: ABAYERav DIMI - Mar ZOUTRA
    • Academy of Nehardéa: AMEÏMAR
    • Soura : MAR BEN RAV ACHI.
    • Pumbedita: RAV YOSSE

  • Sixth generation: (468 - 500)

    • Soura:
    • Pumbedita GULLIED: Rav YOSSE
Rav ACHI carried out the drafting of the TALMUD of Babylon. The torch is taken again by its disciple and colleague GULLIED. Thus the GUEMARA was supplemented 300 years after the drafting of the MICHNA.

Savouraïm and Guéonim

The Savouraïm are the wise ones which belong to the generation which followed the compilation of the TALMUD.

The Guéonim succeed to them for one 450 years period (until the year 1000 of the vulgar era). The answers of the GUEONIM with their explanations form a full literature of the RESPONSA of the GUEONIM which until our days constitute the base of the comprehension of the TALMUD. When Babylonia lost of its importance to the IX° century, two new centers will be born: The Maghreb (North Africa and Spain) and Europe (Italy - France - Germany). The first important comment of Talmud was that of R. HANANEL Ben HOUCHIEL of Kairouan and its compatriot R. NISSIM GAON author of the “keys of the bolts of Talmud”. The dropping level of the studies, the Masters décisionnaires (POSKIM) felt the fact that they must present the decisions in the form of “code of laws”.

Rishonim

The time of the Rishonim begins with Rabbi ITSHAK ELFASSI (RIF) 1013-1103: First large POSSEK. This period extends to Rabbi YOSSEF KARO author from CHOULHANE AROUKH. RIF removed all the argumentation to report only the decision of the HALAKHA. RAMBAM, itself disciple of RIF composed his famous Code of laws, the MICHNE TORAH. This work is divided of 14 parts: the goal of RAMBAM was to put the knowledge of all the Oral Law at the range of the people, so that it was not only the field of an elite of scholars. Among the RICHONIM: Rabbi CHLOMO ITSHAKI known under the name of RACHI (1040 - 1105) RACHI makes Talmud clear and accessible by his explanation which is the comment par excellence of Talmud. Baalé TOSSAFOT supplemented the explanation of RACHI by the deepening of the subjects. Thus each page of Talmud is accompanied by the comments of RACHI and TOSSEFOT. If the Afro-Spanish school is characterized by its spirit of “synthesis” the European school (RACHI + TOSSEFOT) particularizes by its spirit “of analysis”. Let us note the “Meïri” which combines the two methods: Meïri spends its days to Perpignan, crossroads between France and Spain. After RIF and RAMBAM, Rabbi Acher Ben Yehiyel (ROCH) disciple of the last Baalé Tossafot; it was the third large POSSEK. His/her son, Rabbi Yaakov Ben ACHER (BAAL HATOURIM) composed by basing on work of his father a collection of laws classified according to the subjects called “ARBA TOURIM” and divided into 4 parts (TOURIM). 1. TURN ORA' H HAÏM: Rules relating to the prayers, Chabbat, Festivals etc 2. TURN YORE DEA: Laws on the KACHEROUT. 3. TURN EVEN HAEZER: Matrimonial laws. 4. TURN HOCHEN HAMICHPAT: Civil code Rabbi YOSSEF KARO, one of exiled of Spain was the author of “BETH YOSSEF” important comment of “ARBA TOURIM” and bases fundamental of his famous code of “CHOULHANE AROUKH”. To fix the HALAKHA Rabbi YOSSEF KARO based itself on three fundamental works of its predecessors: RIF - RAMBAM - AND THE ROCH.

Aharonim

The period of the RICHONIM finished in 1492 it corresponds to the date of the Enquiry in Spain; then the period of the Aharonim starts (the last) which lasts until our days. Among the last POSKIM let us quote:

  • Rabbi ELIAHOU “the GAON OF VILNA” (1720 - 1797) author of the comment bearing its name on CHOULHANE AROUKH.
  • Rabbi HAÏM DAVID AZOULAY (HIDA) 1724 - 1806 author of “BIRKE YOSSEF”
  • Rabbi MEÏR HACOHEN (HAFETZ HAÏM) 1835-1934 author of MICHNA BROURA become the popular book of study of the HALAKHA.
  • Rav haim of volozin rosh yechiva of volozin the yechiva contemporary mother of the yechivoth
  • rav haim of brisk rav of the town of brisk and author of the work rabeinu haim halevi
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