The Evolution of Jewish Law
By Amy Silver
INTRODUCTION
WRITTEN LAW
Torah - 1020 BCE to 400 BCE
The Torah includes all the trails and tribulations of the Jewish people. It includes stories, rabbinic commentaries and has been dubbed the foundation narrative of the Jewish people.
- Bereishith/Genesis (In the beginning...)
- Shemoth/Exodus (The names...)
- Vayiqra/Leviticus (And He called...)
- Bamidbar/Numbers (In the wilderness...)
- Devarim/Deuteronomy (The words...)
Orthodox and Reform altering differences of the Torah
Orthodox Jews believe that the Torah was given to the jews by god (either all at once or in parts) and therefore believe that they cannot be changed and are binding. Since they are directly from god they cannot be altered in any way. On the other hand the reform jews believe that the jewish people wrote the Torah inspired by god and therefore is a lot more flexible to be altered in order to keep up with the ever so quickly changing times.
Neviim - compiled 200 BCE
Neviim translates to prophets. Included in this book are 3 sections
- the narrative books
- the former prophets
- latter prophets
The latter prophets are thought to be written by scholars with extensive knowledge.
Famous prophets include
- Joshua
- Samuel
- Isaiah
- Jeremiah
Ketuvim - completed 160 BCE
The three poetic books are:
- Psalms
- Proverbs
- Job
The 5 Megillot include:
- Song of Songs
- Ruth
- Lamentations
- Ecclesiastes
- Esther
Other Books:
- Daniel
- Ezra - Nechemiah
- Chronicles
THE ORAL LAW
Gemara- Following the compilation of the Mishnah rabbis from the middle east analysed, debated and discussed the writings in it. These discussions were all recorded then compiled and become the Gemara. Together with the Mishnah these 2 books make up the Talmud.
Commentators- known as mefarshim, commentators would explain, clarify and help to understand the Torah and/or Talmud. By doing so they inadvertently created Halacha due to the fact that texts are explained, inconstancies are cleared up and make sense of unclear sources. Famous commentators includes Rashi (1040 - 1105 CE), Rambam (1135 - 1204 CE), Ramban (1194 - 1270 CE) and Ibn Ezra (1092 - 1167 CE)
Codes- Codes take the commentary away and explain how to apply the law in everyday life. There are a number of Jewish codes but the most popular are Shulchan Arooch and the Mishneh Torah. Both written in the Middle Ages by Caro and Rambam respectively.
Responsa- The translation of responsa in hebrew simply means questions and answers.This refers to ANY halachic questions asked of rabbis and there answers. This is how jewish law continues and thrives today.