MISCHNA Meaning and
Definition
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Mischna (also spelled Mishnah) refers to a fundamental text in rabbinic Judaism, forming part of the oral law. It is a compilation of Jewish legal traditions and teachings that were transmitted orally for several generations before being recorded in writing around the 2nd century CE by Rabbi Judah the Prince. The term "Mischna" means "repetition," as it represents the distilled knowledge and interpretations of Jewish law passed down from generation to generation.
The Mischna is composed of six orders (Sedarim) that cover various aspects of Jewish life and ritual. Each order is further subdivided into specific tractates (Masechtot), which focus on particular topics or areas of law. In total, the Mischna includes 63 tractates containing approximately 525 chapters, making it a comprehensive compendium of Jewish legal and moral principles.
The content of the Mischna encompasses a wide range of topics, such as ritual observances, ethics, civil and criminal law, marriage and divorce, sacrifices and offerings, and agricultural practices. It serves as an authoritative source for understanding the legal and ethical principles of Judaism, and its teachings continue to shape Jewish religious and cultural practice to this day.
Due to its significance, the Mischna has been subject to extensive commentary and analysis, particularly in the form of the Gemara, which is an elucidation and interpretation of the Mischna and forms part of the Talmud. The Mischna remains a vital text in Jewish learning and is studied by scholars and students alike, providing a foundation for understanding the complexities of Jewish law and customs.
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Various traditions of the Jews and interpretations of passages of Scripture, collected and reduced to writing, forming the text of the Talmud.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MISCHNA
Etymology of MISCHNA
The word "Mishnah" derives from the Hebrew root "shanah", which means "to repeat" or "to study". The Mishnah is a compilation of Jewish oral teachings and discussions, and it represents one of the foundational texts of Jewish law and tradition. The word "Mishnah" itself can be translated as "repetition" or "study", highlighting its nature as a collection of teachings that were traditionally passed down orally from generation to generation before being written down.
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