Mishnah
Mishnah
(Heb., repetition) Older part of the Talmud (q.v.) containing traditions from the close of the Old Testament till the end of the second century A.D. when it was compiled (in several revisions) by R. Judah Hanasi (the prince, known also as Rabbi (my master) and Rabbenu Nakkadosh (our saintly master) who sedarim (orders), 63 massektot (tractates) and died between 193-215 A.D. It is divided in 6 524 perakim (chapters).
Here is a very brief summary of the Mishnah according to its sedarim
Seder I, zeraim (seeds), 11 tractatesliturgy, tithes, inhibited mixtures of plants, animals and textiles, sabbatical year, produce offerings, first fruits.
Seder II, Moed (feast), 12 tractatesobservance of sabbath, feasts and fasts.
Seder III, Nashim (women) — 7 tractateslaws of marriage, divorce, forced marriage, adultery, asceticism.
Seder IV, Nezikin (damages), 10 tractates — laws of damages, injuries, property, buying, selling, lending, hiring, renting, heredity, court proceedings, fines and punishment, cities of refuge, oaths. Special tractates on ethics (Abot) and idolatry and testimonials of special decisions.
Seder V, Kodashim (holy things), 11 tractatessacrifices, slaughter of animals, ritual dietetics, first born animals, vows, excommunication, sacrilege, temple architecture and rituals.
Seder VI, Toharot (purifications) — 12 tractateslay and levitical purity and impurity.
Oldest complete manuscript of the Mishna, of the XIIIth century, is preserved in the Library of Parma, Italy.
First complete printed edition of the Mishnah appeared in Naples, 1492.
An excellent one-volume English translation of the entire Mishnah, with introduction and copious notes was made by Herbert Danbv, D.D. (Oxford, 1933). — H.L.G.