Chapter 11: The Rabbis
A description of Jewish sectarianism in the first and second centuries CE.
The Rabbinic Tradition
Yohanan Ben Zakkai, Yavneh, and the Tannaim. Early rabbis who influenced the future of Judaism after the destruction of the temple.
From the Bar Kohba Rebellioin to the Amoraim. Influential rabbis, a widespread revolt in circa 112 CE, and the publication of the Mishnah.
The Talmud
The Rise of Babylon and the Creation of the Talmud. Babylonian as the center of Judaism in the Roman era. The birth of the Talmud.
The Production of the Talmud. For traditional Jews, study of the Talmud is equivalent to studying Torah.
Today’s Talmud. A complicated document, both visually and intellectually.
Studying the Talmud Today. Talmud is learned, not read. Modern scholars are using modern methods such as historical criticism to study the text.