The Mishna: The Oral Law Codified

Lesson 112 · מִשְׁנָה

Around 200 CE, after centuries of Roman occupation and the destruction of the Second Temple, Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi compiled the Oral Law into the Mishna. Six orders, 63 tractates, written in Mishnaic Hebrew (different from Biblical, simpler than Modern). It became the foundation of all subsequent Jewish law. The Mishnaic Hebrew used here is the bridge between Tanakh Hebrew and modern Israeli Hebrew.

Cultural note, Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi is called "Rabbi" with no first name, like calling someone "the President." His estate at Tzipori (Sepphoris) in the Galilee can be visited today. The Mishna's editorial decision, write it down despite the prohibition on writing the Oral Law, preserved Judaism after the Temple's loss.

Mishnaic Sages

Mishnaic Hebrew (different from biblical)

Legal Vocabulary

Common Mishna Phrases

Mishna Sanhedrin 4:5: On the Value of One Life

The most quoted Mishna. From the procedure for warning witnesses in capital cases. The phrase "whoever saves one life saves a world" was inscribed on Oskar Schindler's ring in the film Schindler's List.

Pirkei Avot 2:5: Hillel on Community

Another famous Hillel teaching. On not separating from the community, judging others, and keeping perspective.

Pirkei Avot 4:1: Ben Zoma's Definitions

Ben Zoma's four redefinitions of "wise," "strong," "rich," "honored." Quoted endlessly in Israeli speeches and at b\'nei mitzvah.