[503] B. Kam. 79 b.
[504] For the classification, arrangement, origin, and enumeration of these Halakhoth, see Appendix V.: Rabbinic Theology and literature.'
[505] See the learned remarks of Levy about the reasons for the earlier prohibition of writing down the oral law, and the final collection of the Mishnah (Neuhebr. u. Chald. Wörterb. vol. ii. p. 435).
[506] 132-135 a.d.
[507] These collections are enumerated in the Midrash on Eccles. xii. 3. They are also distinguished as the former' and the later' Mishnah (Nedar. 91 a).
[508] The first Order' (Zeraim, seeds') begins with the ordinances concerning benedictions,' or the time, mode, manner, and character of the prayers prescribed. It then goes on to detail what may be called the religio-agrarian laws (such as tithing, Sabbatical years, first fruits, &c.). The second Order' (Moed, festive time') discusses all connected with the Sabbath observance and the other festivals. The third Order' (Nashim, women') treats of all that concerns betrothal, marriage and divorce, but also includes a tractate on the Nasirate. The fourth Order' (Neziqin, damages') contains the civil and criminal law. Characteristically, it includes all the ordinances concerning idol-worship (in the tractate Abhodah Zarah) and the sayings of the Fathers' (Abhoth). The fifth Order' (Qodashim, holy things') treats of the various classes of sacrifices, offerings, and things belonging (as the first-born), or dedicated, to God, and of all questions which can be grouped under sacred things' (such as the redemption, exchange, or alienation of what had been dedicated to God). It also includes the laws concerning the daily morning and evening service (Tamid), and a description of the structure and arrangements of the Temple (Middoth, the measurements'). Finally, the sixth Order' (Toharoth, cleannesses') gives every ordinance connected with the questions of clean and unclean,' alike as regards human beings, animals, and inanimate things.
[509] Comp. the very interesting tractate by Dr. Brüll (Fremdspr Redensart in d. Talmud), as well as Dr. Eisler's Beiträge z. Rabb. u. Alterthumsk., 3 fascic; Sachs, Beitr. z. Rabb u. Alterthumsk.
[510] Comp. the enumeration in Pinner, u. s.
[511] Talmud: that which is learned, doctrine. Gemara: either the same, or else perfection,' completion.'
[512] The following will explain our meaning: On the first order' we have the Jerusalem Talmud complete, that is, on every tractate (comprising in all 65 folio leaves), while the Babylon Talmud extends only over its first tractate (Berakhoth). On the second order, the four last chapters of one tractate (Shabbath) are wanting in the Jerusalem, and one whole tractate (Sheqalim) in the Babylon Talmud. The third order is complete in both Gemaras. On the fourth order a chapter is wanting in one tractate (Makkoth) in the Jerusalem, and two whole tractates (Eduyoth and Abhoth) in both Gemaras. The fifth order is wholly wanting in the Jerusalem, and two and a half tractates of it (Middoth, Qinnim, and half Tamid) in the Babylon Talmud. Of the sixth order only one tractate (Niddah) exists in both Gemaras. The principal Halakhoth were collected in a work (dating from about 800 a.d.) entitled Halakhoth Gedoloth. They are arranged to correspond with the weekly lectionary of the Pentateuch in a work entitled Sheeltoth (Questions:' best ed. Dghernfurth, 1786). The Jerusalem Talmud extends over 39, the Babylonian over 36 ½ tractates - 15 ½ tractates have no Gemara at all.
[513] The last ten chapters curiously group together events or things under numerals from 10 downwards. The most generally interesting of these is that of the 10 Nequdoth, or passages of Scripture in which letters are marked by dots, together with the explanation of their reasons (ch. xxxiv.). The whole Boraitha seems composed of parts of three different works, and consists of forty (or forty-one) chapters, and occupies ten folio leaves.
[514] In twenty-one chapters, each containing a number of Halakhahs, and occupying in all four folio leaves.
[515] In fourteen chapters, occupying rather more than three folio leaves.