Difference between Jerusalem & Babylonian Talmud

Derek Browning

Hey All,

I see that there's two versions of the talmud available (well three if you count the two different versions of the Babylonian).

 

I have a few questions:

What are the major differences between Babylonian & Jerusalem talmud?

Would either version, or possibly both, have been familiar to Jesus?

Thanks,

Derek

MJ. Smith

Derek Browning said:

Would either version, or possibly both, have been familiar to Jesus?

No, the Talmuds are later. However some of the teachers and oral tradition was likely around. We just don't know which.

wikipedia has a comparison http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem_Talmud#Comparison_to_Babylonian_Talmud

DMB

Derek ... do you have any more difficult questions?

It's a BIG area so I'll make a few points. The quote below is from the Neusner introduction to the Jerusalem 'Talmud':

'A Talmud is formed by a law code and a discursive commentary to, and extension of, that code. There are two Talmuds. Both are constructed on the same law code, the Mishnah, which was compiled ca. 200 c.e. The earlier of these is the Talmud of the Land of Israel (also called the Jerusalem Talmud and commonly referred to as Yerushalmi), which was completed ca. 400 c.e. The later of the two is the Talmud of Babylonia (also called the Babylonian Talmud and commonly referred to as Bavli), which was completed ca. 600 c.e. Technically the commentary on the Mishnah that is supplied by each of the two Talmuds is called the Gemara but it is more commonly referred to simply as the Talmud.'

As you can see from the dates, Jesus probably didn't read it. It's possible he was familiar with the discussions that are included. But then it's possible he wasn't. Quite a few overlap Jesus' discussions, so there's a temptation to assume a common 'world' of thought.

The difference between the Jerusalem and Babylonian is a complex question. In short, the Babylonian is the more complete volume but the Jerusalem has several tractates the Babylonian doesn't.. Similarly the two versions of the Babylonian are not the same each have some tractates the other doesn't.

You would really be well advised to read up on the Talmud (Mishnah/Gemarah) ... it's fascinating.