Evolution Of Jewish Law
Written Law
Written Law
The written law is the Torah, Nev'im and Ketuvim, together they make the Tanach. The Torah is the first part of the Tanach, the torah was given by God to Moshe, he then gave it to the people of Israel. The Torah hasn't been changed since it came from God.
Nevi'im
Nevi'im is the second part of the Tanach. Nevi'im are writings from prophets. Prophets are people who had been given a message from god, there might be a few people who are fakes but most of the stories written in Nevi'im are all true. Some famous Nevi'im are Joshua and Shmu'el.
Ketuvim
It is the third and final section of the Tanach.
Ketuvim are ideas and concepts written down by Rabbis and highly respected Jewish figures. Such as Rashi, Rambam andOral Law
Originally passed down by father to son. It was only written down years later.
Mishnah
The Mishnah is the first part of the Talmud. It is helps explain Jewish law. It was the first part of the Oral law to be written. It is a major work of Rabbinic Judaism. It's from the times of about 535 BCE - 70 CE. There are Rabbinic commentaries in the Mishnah.
Gemara
The Gemara is a explanation in how to apply traditions and laws for todays lives. It is mostly by Rabbis, such as Rashi and Rambam who are famous rabbinical commentators who are highly respected and their work in the Gemara is also very respected.
Commentators
Commentators are a important part of the Oral Torah, it''s highly respected Rabbis thoughts and definitions of laws and traditions. The Rabbis also translate the laws and traditions in ways that will suit our days and lives.
Codes
The whole Oral Torah is a code in how to live your life, every different person sees the codes differently. This is why there are people with different thoughts, concepts and understanding of Judaism.
Responsa
Responsa is a very important part of todays law, since all the laws and traditions were from thousands of years ago there weren't rules against mobile phones or about driving to shule, so Responsa is questions from the public answered by highly respected Rabbis about anything and everything.