Talmud, Palestinian
Talmud, Palestinian
Was arranged first by Rabbi Johanan (d. 279 A.D.) and finally compiled early in the 5th century. It is based on the Mishnah of R. Judah as interpreted in the academies of Lydda, Caesaria, Sepphoris and Tiberias (closed 425 A.D.). Its Gemaras extend presently only over 39 of the 63 tractates of the Mishnah, but it is assumed that many Gemaras were lost during the many persecutions.
In the latest edition, the Palestine Talmud occupies ca. 2663 pages.
Wherever opinions differ, it is the Babylonian Talmud that is considered as authoritative for the Jews.
A complete manuscript of the Palestinian Talmud is found in the Leiden Library, and from it was printed its first edition by Bomberg, Venice, 1523-24. — H.L.G.