:

TALMUD
STUDY

by Aryeh Carmell

0)
Gi
Feldheim Publishers
THE WEBER ScHoOoL
ROOM 233
& Of 40
\ i Books of related interest

Understanding the Talmud, by Yitzchak Feigenbaum

Co-founder of Darché Noam/Shapell College
mre
lee of Jewish Studies and now Dean of Students,
out of 15 years of teaching and counselling
Rabbi Feigenbaum has produced a tested book
to give the student the textual skills he needs
ow
No
for a clear understanding of Talmudic
discussion. By explaining key words, phrases
> and structures that recur throughout, he shows
aryl
Miiii how to analyze, grasp and respond to the basic
text— making this a vital guide to a solid
grounding in Talmud.
The Oral law, by H. Chaim Schimmel
The Rabbinic contribution to Torah sheba’al
peh, seen through the entire spectrum of the
halacha. An attempt to answer some of the
questions pertaining to the classical Jewish
literature and the writings of the great,
recognized Rabbinical authorities. A refreshing
approach by a lifelong student of the Talmud.
Encyclopedia Talmudica: A digest of halachic
literature and Jewish law from the Tannaitic
period to the present time, under subject
headings alphabetically arranged. Translated
from the Hebrew and edited by Prof. Isidore
Epstein and Rabbi Dr Harry Freedman.
Three volumes published to date.
The Gateway to Learning, by Eliyahu Krupnick
A small but valuable book to help the beginner
gain fluency and understanding in the Talmud.
From the background and history of the Oral
Torah, it goes on to give clear explanations of
key words and expressions, and shows how to
break a Talmudic discussion down into its
basic components. With a list of the rules of
the Talmud that foliows, this little work thus
builds a solid foundation for progress to more
advanced Talmudic learning.
Torah / The Oral Tradition: beautifully designed,
richly illustrated, this album-size book gives a
clear, well-written “outline of Rabbinic
literature throughout the ages”: early
translations and classical commentaries on
Scripture; Midrash, branching into halacha and
aggada; Mishna and Talmud, with their classic
commentaries; and finally the literature of
Poskim and Responsa. With indices, tables and
maps, here is a unique orderly presentation of
a complex subject.
 AIDING
TALMUD
STUDY
By the same author

mylaw n507 the tractate Shevi'it of the Jerusalem Talmud,

with a concise commentary, Kav veNaki, derived from the
classical commentaries — now in a new, revised edition:
with Leo Levi
nVWy7AI Nin N50? the tractates Terumot and Maasrot
of the Jerusalem Talmud, with new commentary Kav veNaki,
as above: with Leo Levi
\>NM IND the discourses and writings of Rabbi Eliyahu
E. Dessler, edited jointly by Aryeh Carmell, A. Halpern and
C. Friedlander — five volumes
Challenge: Torah views on science and its problems, edited
by Aryeh Carmell and Cyril Domb
Encounter: essays on Torah and modern life, edited by
H. Chaim Schimmel and Aryeh Carmell
Strive for Truth!: four volumes of the writings of Rabbi Eliyahu
E. Dessler, from Michtav meEliyahu, rendered into English
by Aryeh Carmell
Masterplan: Judaism, its program, meanings, goals
NY}? NAY2D

AIDING
TALMUD
STUDY
by
Aryeh Carmell

Fifth Edition
newly revised and expanded
with many new key words
and new features

Revised Edition, 1998

6)
fy
FELDHEIM
Jerusalem / New York
 distributed by:
FELDHEIM PUBLISHERS
POB 35002 /Jerusalem, Israel

202 Airport Executive Park

Nanuet, NY 10954

www -feldheim.com

J. Lehmann
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Hardcover edition: 0-87306-481-x

Paperback edition: 0-87306-482-8
Copyright© 1971, 1974, 1975, 1980, 1986, 1988, 1998
by A. Carmell

Published by
FELDHEIM PUBLISHERS

Printed in Israel
 CONTENTS

mretace toitheFirstiedition. < . .s.0. |... aes eee 5

Note to’ the!Secondi/Edition . 22. .5,'>. 3...) 6

Notes to the Fourth and Fifth Editions ......... 7

Gemara Key Words and Phrases .............. 8

Commonly Used Abbreviations ............. 35

Memory Aidiara. ROM sn Oeil

Oe TR ee, 47

BASIOCHIPt inary, bees Chee cae ETN wate 47

Nathesjofither Months! se.c te saec

een
o ok 47

Numerical Values of Letters .............., 47

Mal mUGICNATANalC@at 25) me Bene ay wee nn Cs 48

Hebrew-Aramaic Root-letter Correspondences ... . 65

End-piece: Vocalisation of Hebrew ........... 66

Appendices:

(1) Rabbi Samuel HaNagid’s

Introduction to the Talmud .......... 68
(2) Talmudic Weights and Measures ........ 77

(3) Alphabetical List of Tannaim and Amoraim . . . 84

Charts and Map: at end

(1) Main Tannaim from Hillel onward

(2) Main Amoraim in Eretz Israel and Babylonia

(3) Map of Torah Centers in Mishna and Talmud

Times

(4) The Written and Oral Torah

(Books of the Tanach / Tractates of the Talmud)

 stuetwus
‘ uy
te , : pra
a ‘ i
= iy =

i re ees
rAd
Ct) ieee ‘
oi :
pata th aye

f shel

byt NOOy voted

Ree cetyl asd aS

ae. é ‘i: Oo ai .

3 a Je ee pt bes >

ver SS siren =
ss Aigates- aman eC a
ee") Been atin ue
4
a * “Ke
eels

= espe
u liseYap

het oer |bea a mere

es he ji Ta et nal
co wo in, Ras * tb 7y. FS PSS.
; py teed
ip v we? Way ensestes
 PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION

The first part of this booklet, ‘““Gemara Key Words and

Phrases”, has already run through five editions in
duplicated form and has provided very welcome assistance
to beginners in the study of the Talmud. This is its first
appearance in print. It has been extensively revised and
the Aramaic and Hebrew appear for the first time with
vowel points. The endeavour has been made to give a
reasonably correct vocalisation of the Aramaic, but where
the pronunciation current in the Yeshivos differs from this,
the latter has often been indicated. The second part,
“Commonly Used Abbreviations”, has been revised,
extended, vocalised and translated.
I would like to use this opportunity to express to my
colleagues at the East End Jewish Scholarship Centre and
Moreah Teachers’ College, London, and particularly to my
esteemed friend the Hon. Principal, Herman Zvi Sipper,
Esq., my heartfelt appreciation of their outstanding edu-
cational work. Their greatest reward lies in the numbers of
young people they have introduced to the study of Torah
and Talmud and the practice of the laws and ideals which
they teach; and who have then gone on to lead full and
happy lives as committed, God-fearing Jews. May the
Almighty continue to bless their efforts with success.
The world-wide re-awakening of interest in Judaism
among our youth leads me to hope that more and more will
join those who are already finding their way back to the
Talmud — the unique source of both the intellectual
alertness and the spiritual vigour of our people. And when
they do, I venture to hope that this little book may serve to
ease their onward path.
ARYEH CARMELL
Jerusalem, Kislev 5731
 NOTE TO THE SECOND EDITION
The welcome given to this little work has been
gratifying. This second edition has been carefully revised
and extended, and includes two new features:
(1) A section on Talmudic Aramaic; this is a brief outline
of Aramaic grammar with special reference to the
colloquial forms found in the Babylonian Talmud.*
(2) An Appendix on the Tannaim and Amoraim,
comprising historical charts displaying the main Tannaim
and Amoraim and their inter-relationships, as well as an
alphabetical index enabling the student to locate any
name on the charts. A few notes on the correct vocalisation
of Hebrew have also been appended.
My sincere thanks to all who have come forward with
corrections and other suggestions for improvement; partic-
ularly to my son?”3 Sxiw? °27D apy’ 1 and my son-in-law
-”) OPNT ywi? apy?’ for their help; my son 7”) 0%n o773N 9
who suggested most of the new entries in the Key-word
section; and my sons 7”117>x Aor’ and 3 Ana nN for
their helpful suggestions. Last by not least I thank my
students at Yeshivat Dvar Yerushalayim (The Jerusalem
Academy of Jewish Studies) whose ‘enthusiasm provided
the main stimulus for this new, expanded edition. Among
these, special thanks are due to Mr. Shimon (Steve)
Hurwitz, B.A.,LL.B.,**for his help in preparing the charts
of Tannaim and Amoraim.

A.C.
Jerusalem, Tevet 5734

*(A synopsis of Talmud Grammar may be found in Vol. VII of Blackman’s

Mishnayoth. This has been found useful and due acknowledgement is
gladly made.)

** Now Rabbi Shimon Hurwitz.

 NOTE TO THE FOURTH EDITION

The popularity of this little book is a sign of the times.

We may be thankful that more and more people are indeed
turning to the living sources of Torah, and finding their
true selves in the process.
This edition, in addition to being carefully revised
(and in this connection thanks are due to my youngest
son °”) nobwatye>x), also contains much new material:
the first English translation of Rabbi Samuel Ha-Nagid’s
Introduction to the Talmud, which seems to have been
written for a generation in some ways very similar to ours;
and — in response to many requests — tables of Talmudic
weights, measures, and monetary units, together with
some indication of their purchasing power.
Good learning!
A.C.
Elul 5739

NOTE TO THE FIFTH EDITION

It is encouraging to note that, with Heaven’s help, this
little book has enjoyed an exceptionally wide circulation
and is found useful by the ever-increasing numbers of
people now studying Talmud in many parts of the world,
from South Bend, Indiana, U.S.A. to Moscow, U.S.S.R.
In this newly revised and expanded edition, over seventy
new entries have been added in the Key Words section. For
ease of reference, the Hebrew alphabet has been printed at
the front, and then the page at which any particular letter
starts is marked by that letter (white on black) in the right
margin at the same level as the corresponding letter at the
front. Cross references have been added, referring to the
corresponding word in R.Shmuel HaNagid’s Introduction.
There are many new Abbreviations; the names of the
Tannaim and Amoraim in the charts have been vocalised,
and some new names have been added. New features are
the section on the Written and Oral Torah, listing the Books
of the Tanach, and the six Orders of the Mishna with their

7
massechtot, and a map of Torah Centers in Mishna and
Talmud Times.
For good measure a guide to Rashi script, the numerical
values of the letters, and the names of the Hebrew months,
have also been included. Acentimeter rule has been printed
at the front,to assist the teacher in guiding students to the
correct place on the page.
Our thanks to Mr. Jacob Menashe, of Mexico and Israel,
who suggested most of the above innovations.
Happy and successful learning!

Adar II 5746 A.C.

GEMARA KEY WORDS AND PHRASES

NOTE

This list is not a dictionary. It includes only those words and

phrases which recur with considerable frequency in the Gemara,
which are in fact the “operator words” of the Talmudic argument.

The order is strictly alphabetical, based on the phrase as a

whole. Thus 7X comes after NON N°YI N but before °57 NR.
The entries inset in smaller type illustrate the use of the word
or phrase forming the main entry.

The following abbreviations are used:

Ar. = Aramaic
abbr. = abbreviation
abbr. fr. = abbreviated from
contr. = contraction
cp. = compare
Heb. = Hebrew
lit. = literally
opp. = opposite
usu. pron./u.p. = usually pronounced
 JN—RN

Note: X at the beginning of a word may be a prefix.

on; at; with reference to

but 23N
see NYDR — NVON
on account of; subsidiary to; AAs
casually
by the way AN TT
acquisition (of chattels) as subsidiary JN 727
(to land) ee
while; rather than TR
while he was going DIN NPAN
rather than go in by that way, naa bey> Raa beyIRN
STE cee a d
let him go in by the other
meanwhile "DN DTN
on the contrary R2 TIN
against one another "TIAN
on which? RMON
set up; establish OPIN pix
setting; particular application RAN PAN
(determination of special circumstances
or conditions under which statement in
Mishna or Beraitha holds good)

you have established it (ann pin) RAPIN

ee seam telco. neat

they go |according] to their reason qm nvv'? TTIN
go, goes, went DIN
it is the same whether ...or... +0 THR 4 THN
because of; on account of (1) TOR
do you think? (2) ON
 (Ar.) °8
not (Heb.) °X
if it was said (at all), it
TIEN DT TIN N
was said like this
it is all right if you say NDQUA DION'S
impossible WER ON
they (the Bnei Yeshivah) asked ait? Kea
he should have; he asked Ar? YIN
if you like | can say NPR MY’
both; in both cases “TRI OTR
the other (one) (usu. pron. JTR) TTS
he; she; it TN ATR
he (it) is the one 1) PR
if so ni
since; because “3 TOR
dealt with
we dealt with
21978
there is; there are (abbr. of 827 MX) RDN
there is (this difference) between WIMYD ND
them
some say YOR TNBN
one can say 72°? NDR
if; whereas (RN
if you were to say ND"PR
onwards, further JPR
were it not R2DIR
if it were 2DPR
say; | can say NDR
when; | should say; | could say WIR
| admit that “TT WN
 WANN — DWN ON

[see under x°rx] NTN NPN OW ON

when NDR
not (Heb.) Px
he, she, is not; it is not AYN IPR
they are not TVR ,ON

yes (Ar.) (usu. pron. 7x to (7a) TR OTS

distinguish from the preceding)

quite so; yes, that is the case "21° PN

does it not follow? PT IPR
is it so? can it be? TR
the others JPR
or, also; alternatively (1) 2°
even if (2 ) 703 °R
turn it round (change round the names) TIN
shall | turn it round? RIN FAN

the opposite; the other way round NID

just the contrary 2ppears to follow NINO NI|N
it is necessary ND OOK /PTWPNR
argument NPR
if it were only for that, NPR NZ NT OW ON
there would be no argument

there is; it is; it says (@) IN NON

he holds; he has 17> MR

he asked against him MINN

(from a Mishna or Beraitha, as follows)
he is; it is; it applies MIYR
if you want to say; some say _ (usu. pron. Norn7n) NON

it has been said (by an Amora) (usu. pron. T2m°x) “WINX

it was stated thereon A2Y WAN

at
J? WAN—I17IIYN

they are; there are WRN

woman NOIR
still; yet "MDN
but; rather RDN
(following a refutation) But (we must adopt 7 728 NPR
another explanation, viz.) Rabbi... says ata

unless 12 ON NPR
but is it not... ? IN? NPN
what then (is the interpretation)? °ND NPN
but according to that (it follows...) ANY! NPR
according to (lit., after the heart of...) “T RDN
so we see NDPN
why TMD28
if it were not RDDPR
if it were ~onPR
why? for what? on what? "RIN
if it be so NON ON
if Rav's Din is correct 3777 NOX ON

for that very reason "Di? TORN

| should say; | could say; | can say; | said RIMON
(he) said WN
said Abaye: “3X TN
(a new statement)
Abaye said: IN MIN
(offering an alternative to the preceding statement)

they (the B’nei Yeshiva) said; answered (see p.60) "228

some say 1? “TON
he could answer you T? WRX
the Master said (referring back
to previous quotation) ‘V2 TWIN

12
 NNN NII— 1919 NON ON

if you can say; if you accept that; 9 °s7n ON

granted that
1; we BS AIX
also; even AN
we have also learnt this (in a Mishna) RYN "I PB AN
although 33.99 FN
although "BY AR
nevertheless 727 YER
even if you say; you can even say NIN TDN

possible TWN
to compare; equate WIPR
argue, discuss, deal with
RN
and the one who raised this argument, why 72 7K RPT
did he raise if (if the answer is so obvious)? m2 “INP RP
we find
it is found
he, it, came
came; he came; he has come
we came; we have come

you (pl.) PAR

comes (m., f.) RIN DN
it comes (is derived) by a Tin} 973 wn
Kal Vachomer
it comes out all right VEU ODN
attack (see p. 72 [12]) RADPNN
=
Note: 2 at the beginning of a word may be a prefix.

on its own, by himself, by itself Aw] "BNA

simultaneously nny n32
13
 WH Ssa)3

in the midst of, among 432

their dispute is on this point DMP NIB
(usu. pron. *3'7p"/?)
while, together with "13
together; equivalent(ly); among themselves "179 baa
clearly, explicitly 172
whether... or... oD. oo PD
in between; the difference; in the meantime ‘2°12
two people; a pair "1A °3
without cause; for nothing; incidentally "123
without that *277 1823
on what point do they dispute? "9D ND
as a statement (not a question) XNANID
(Opp. 7779n3)
ask; enquire; require; need; ought; want v2
R. Zera asks nvr "ya
he (they) asked of him man (1¥2) kVA
enquiry (see p. 71 [4]) x?va
mere; merely; somewhere; anywhere; xp?ya
elsewhere; generally
less than “7 YS3
(1) the son; (2) wild X73
certain “3
| am sure 2-3
Beraitha (mishnaic material not included in x4
R. Yehuda Ha-Nassi’s Mishna) (see p. 70 [2])
except; leave out -713

may it be kept away from us 77 12

it is all right xn'?0a

it is all right if you say NWI NWN WN
within, in the midst of, among yina
14
 PI— MNNI

(to be read) as a question m79N3

sna
after

the last x13

relating to; in connection with "23

in, inside, among aP

the thing itself; (introducing new passage NDU

of Gemara) (to treat of) the thing itself
(=the matter just quoted)
surely this is self-contradictory? NWP RDU NT

learn wna
a man should first accumulate 930° 97) WX V0"?
knowledge and only then consider reasons :

_ tradition; learning NT
we learn : ww
mere, merely, alone X73

drawing along; association xy

brought in by association 7303 NI IN

a
Note: 7 at the beginning of a word may be a prefix.

that (rel. pron.); of; because Feet

this (f.) NT

there is something (more) in this jaa O29

because oe

place bers
Lira
exact; exactly
enough =

my; mine; me ue
in my (his) opinion Gory?) TT?
15
NPTI— OPT

his rah
this is his own opinion, MDT NI TT NA
that is his Teacher's ete

ours aes
it is enough for him/it be
(1) judge; (2) it is enough for them ae
derive; be exact pt
perhaps NT N27
law; judgement; a derivation Ee
(usually by Kal Vachomer)
is it not a Kal Vachomer? RUT PT

this (m) rT
that which he did; (tay) 739°
when it has already been done;
you can also deduce it (from) “2 Rj"
take away 77
of what; from what (1) N27
produce on which there is a doubt (2) °ND7
cencerning separation of
Maaser (tithe)
resembles [f.] 82797 (usu. pron. 27) "77

it is as if it were burnt ‘aT IWS

money (abr. of POT,O'T) DTT
of the world; common, usual N27
(to be) particular; exact Pt
he has not been precise PTR?

[see under 77x] 7? RZ NDA? A

connection XI

monetary connection X21977 NIA

16
 Hin —— Na

mt
Note: 7 at the beginning of a word is likely to be a prefix.

so; behold; surely (@) 8A

did we not establish it? RDP NA
so, if it were not like this 727 IN? RD
this (demons. pron.) (2)8D
one thing depends on the other nO NTA NA
see under XD’ — NWP NOU NT
this (Din, saying) of R... 6 TINA
both cases RATT
each case as applicable RONTD NT NMRTD NT
who is this? (which Tanna is the author of this?) "372 8A

see under nynAn—nrn xa

that (demonstr. pron.) RTT ONT

nowadays NITRA
how; that one, the other one PRI
what is this? (somewhat disdainful RON
rejection of foregoing)
whosoever; a certain person; someone; anyone JX °Rd

did he not say WRT

afterwards; again VWI
he retracted ma vd
that; a certain Sara
a certain man; that man 8722 8
(also used euphemistically of oneself)

he, it (is); (at the end of a sentence) it is Ran

the same applies PII xn

since; because “) PRIN
it was, he was; would be mad

TE
qDI7n — RYAN TIN

| would have said; | used to say NIVON TT

he should have “2 m2 a
it was (f.); she was; would be sala)
we asked; we were my
which? a
she, it (is); (at the end of a sentence) it is NT
that one; how yw

that is (identical with) wd

this is the same thing qawe7
Rabbi Y's (statement) seems to be a? IN UTD OY
identical with (that of) the first Tanna

where 127. .NIT

how? 20
how is that to be understood; in what case? “21°20
what is a practical illustration of ...?
in what case can this be found? m2 NNDwD "3"
the halacha; the final decision (see p.72 [16]) xn"
from him, from it [137979 =] 127°
comparison; equation a
that (demonstr. pron.) 49
here N20
what are we dealing with here? TPPOY "NDA NIT
thus; so 20
so, now? [= how can you say such a thing?] NAW 727

that is so 1°37
so it also follows by reasoning; NTANON 1°30
so it appears reasonable

the other [person] mn

therefore q225

18
 TY NIV—N

these wd
that is all right Naip
these words (apply) a
those 2
behold, see; here is (1) 0
aspect, characteristic (2) 0
now NnwD
that is all right (mam Xa) nnn

there; elsewhere Bn
5

Note: } at the beginning of a word is likely to be a prefix.

and the other? (what does (usu. pron. JPR) JPR

he say about the argument?)
whereas TORY
and another thing Rabbi... said -. 730 798}
that which you found difficult TNT
but surely NT}
did you not say? SET
provided that Nu}
and we asked on it ma P10)
but surely we have learnt in a Beraitha .. . ?; NAT}
(more rarely) and so we have learnt in a Beraitha
can it really be (that)
but it’s not so N77 N7)
nothing ni. nN?)
he has done nothing at all o> x? Mby XY?

is there no more? is that all? tiv X27)

19
0N —Jnayvr)

and according to your reason (opinion) yoyo

(is it any better)?
if even (introductory clause of Kal Vachomer) m3
[see p. 33]

what then is to be learnt here (that sai? sn

could give occasion to the verse) to say...
some bring it in the name of R... YT DWI 73 Iw
and | will suggest an apparent = O8TN NIN "TN "AYHT
contradiction (see p. 72 [10])
and further; and again wm
and nothing more; (= this is the end of = “T2823
the argument)
does this really follow? N73a0°N
why not derive it from... ? m2 PN

this means; this implies NWN ON

sell (3rd. pers. sing. past) Tat

buy (3rd. pers. sing. past) 12!

this, and needless to say, that (=the 721? JS PR. At

cases are in descending order of novelty)
go! or

“firstly and furthermore” (one THY) NIN

out of several cases, reasons, etc.)
we see ww
obliged; liable ayn
the Mishna is deficient, {INP DT) KIOMA Hon
and should be read as follows (usu. pron. x}07"72)

20
 N71 — N10

many; plenty; well Dehis)

the reason SL)

the reason is because “7 NBD
more
-Dp
more than “7 "Bb

gives a7
it is possible; | might think 91>?
learn; derive (it) (a) poe
derivation RNID?
there is, it-is, it exists QW? 130?

2)
Note: 2 or w> or 72 at the beginning of a word may bea prefix.

here 182
as if it were possible rae)
as; for example naa
(1) when; as (Ar.); (2) jar (Heb.) 72
“19
as

as you said HVONETD

like the statement of Rava N2772
so that a)

by the way; without special reason; anonymously 1?

it disappears without any formality "Ip2 NYRB
he refers to it just
by the way; without specific reason
mzei “12
as we answered Pw
all *Dad Nid

21
 m2 — Ny 1D

the whole world; everybody; both parties x7 "PAD

to the dispute

all that much; so much "nT “aD

like; as; when; if )
like that ONT °D
in that way; in that manner NIN}2 NID
if you say NOH 7D

just as; so that; in order that (=9) °° 9

since, because (usu. pron. 13) JD
in a similar manner, similarly Ja NYPD

when (=in which case) do they dispute 2B

how, in what case I¥°D

sO 12
as long as; whenever nN YD
is it within his powers? PID VD
(1) nothing; (2) introducing a question oD
(1) he has done nothing niv> nyy xX?
(2) have you any pleasure? mNaa 7? ws oD

as if to say; that is to say 37D

(as a noun) rule, category; generality, (1) 92
community
(as an adverb) at all (2) 929
towards “bd
in which direction is this tending? xm? “7D
(=is not your reasoning at fault?)
whatever the amount nine 9D
all the more (so) ]2v 9D
as if; like the one; like whom? JRDD
see mynd 02 — MPD

22
 NOW NI—7ND

like the Master ale)

neither like the one nor like the other 392 X27 Wd KX?

similar to ry>
in the same way as... ow>
(this is) similar to the (following) *NIND
dispute of Tannaim

?
Note: 9 at the beginning of a word may be a prefix.

no; not; is it not? (usu. pron. as Hebrew: x) RX?

only NIN...
itis only necessary NON NDVI NP
is it not enough for them? peas
is it not obvious? }2v 9D XN»
don’t they dispute? p75 NP)

“not only this, even that” iN TR?

( = the cases in the Mishna are in
descending order of demonstrability)
not so 2 RY
nothing n> nN?
not only; needless to say NV" N?
he stated it by way of “needless to say” TONE NYDN X?
[he states the obvious to introduce the not-so-obvious]

does the Master not hold.. .? 772 720 NP

you cannot think so JOYT NP'70 NY
no, it is necessary in the “T NDT NP
following case
it is necessary (or applicable) “T NPR NDS NY?
only...
(there is) no difference NIW x?

23
AYNNII—WY NI

this Mishna was learnt only... NPN UY XP

this Din applies only...
no; not; is it not? W?
did we not learn thereon MY WMN W?
no! no? it is not so; where to? ™N?

to exclude *PIDN?
to include, to bring in “INN?
concerning; in connection with *317
further on; later; elsewhere yea?
let it be 0?
let him fear wanr?
there is not: it is not; it is impossible — @xda1 n"4) x2"?
it is impossible to say so *2a TI? ND"?
you can't learn it from that ayn ynwn? XD?
let him say; let it (the verse) say; shall we say Nn?
shall we say (that the foregoing is) like "IND n°?
(the following dispute of) Tannaim
let him distinguish; let him dispute nop?
why not incorporate Atta nd) wyp
the distinction in that very case a en
expression; language; version naw?

there is not; it is not; (abbr. nv) (xs 82) ROY

it does not apply

he does not hold (the opinion); he has not got mn

there is nothing init forus; itdoes not matter 72 ]2 m2
they are not; they do not apply > mM?

let the Mishna (or Beraitha) say sun?

according to everybody wavy D9
to begin with; the recommended monn2?
course of action (opp. 729°7)

24
 N79) OND
— D9 ND

why do | need? 2 77291?

to be "1779?
to say; do you mean to say? x79"
to exclude (Heb.) bY? (Ar.) "WIV"?
to us; for us (Ar.) 12
after all; for ever piv?
above 2y?
regarding my?
in front of us; later on yop?
‘to include (Ar.) baba (Heb.) nia?

?)

Note: % at the beginning of a word may be a prefix.

from me)
what; what is the meaning of ND
what is there to say? Ta"? RDN NN
what can you answer?
what is the relevance of? why just .. .? ROR OND
what is [the difference] between them IY} ND
so what? 7371 ONT
what about it? what is the conclusion? m2Y "7 ON
what do you see? what is your reason? MIM OND
is it not the case? Iw? OND
(what is the position? is it not... ?)
what need is there to say (it)? x"? NID
how does it imply? yw ND
what difference does maa (72) m2 NPHI NN
it make to him (us)?

25
79) NN—MNDIY ND

what is he doing? MONTY “NM

what business has this here?
what is the difference? RIO ONT
what is the inference? N730'27F) ONT
who; who is 82
the one who says TWAT [NID
of whom have you heard? mr? nYRW [ND
who is the Tanna NIN [NI

needed . NOVD2 NVA

(1) he should have m> va
(2) it should have said (in the verse)
(3) it is needed; he asks
“A"? it should have said “B”! wD RIVED “as BR

since; because; out of; (1) Wr ia

one out of two AID Wr NIN
“because” (abbr. for a deductive principle) (2) i779 ,1379
we say “because” ( = use this i012 JPN
deductive principle) }

since; following from the fact that... “1

what; what is; (introducing a clause mn
of comparison) just as
just as his seed ona iy 77
is alive so is he alive es 2
(lit. what is his seed?
— Alive! pels Paes |
So is he alive)
what about —...? (introducing a -b a»
refutation of a Kal Vachomer) De

what difference is it to me? rd)

where do you get it from? oN NDT
why should you assume?
what do we find? just as we find wn nD
(first clause of a comparison)
whatever you want; W517 WEA.
whichever way you turn

26
 myn — wna

what is it? what is the ‘‘din'’? (NIT a7) IA

you might think;|you might have thought NINN WD
agrees, agree mrt TT
open, available for interpretation 7517) ,79D179
it is available °25179 "IDR

it is clear; clearer; better RANI

because of (usu. pron. nn) nanny
(particle introducing a question) 7
are they alike? bein ih)
does this resemble the foregoing? :
do we fear? yPorn
did he not say? TN N21

see Nya) — NVI"

at once Tn
something; anything; at all; (aytn-) Pn
(introducing a rhetorical question) is it? do we?
Is this an argument? REY TN
does it then say “A” in the Mishna? Jan “N* 7

something else NINN OT

something like; this resembles... “XN TIT OW
something oy
however; at least; anyway nin .NT
but; however 0
who says? bale hada
deals with melee)
brings it; derives it AY one
words %79
thing, word NN"?
statement ialie)
from him, from it vr

27
NIP YN — NIN0N

it follows;it appears to be reasonable (that)... x ano"

exclusion pin
they dispute (usu. pron. ‘x7673) 7°75"
they (the Bnei Yeshivah) asked,or objected b>
p=
(from a Mishna or Beraitha) (see p. 71 [6])
since; because (usu. pron.) "1379

anyway nip 737

it follows; it follows from 223%
from a deduction R223
from outside; external 71272
from inside; internal wRIPA
how do we know? from what? NID
of itself; by itself; automatically R79
excludes vy?
from where Nite)
from where can | prove it? mY RYN NID
from where are these ~97 2m] NBD
things [derived] [7779 7371372]
from where does he derive it? m2 NID
Whence can you derive it? NWO" NID

who is he? (R37 NID) 139

who is it? (X77 [RD) “3D
which Tanna is (the author of) our Mishna? ,?M73]n?D 7379

from where? ry
from where [do] we [derive this]? 1239
(literally, from where is this to us?)

it supports him (see p. 72 [9]) m2? YON

it follows; .it appears to be nano
reasonable (that)...
originally; from before; at'first; NR?
from the origin
28
 ~pna—nvyn
ee
ee ee

act; story; event; case (see p. 72 [3]) nvy

answer; solve difficulty (lit. take to pieces) pp
to be able i.)
compares wp
to compare WipR

ask a question; raise a difficulty or objection npr

the Master; the Rabbi; you (in polite speech) 37
one (Rabbi) holds 30 719

includes m2)
whatever it is; the smallest amount — Gaia 9~) TW
makes; makes equivalent (see “w) bade)
because of (1) aren
in the name of (2) oxwn
in the name of “7 Aw
it can be found; a case can be found my nnawn
it means; it implies yw
it means this to him; it has this significance 7°) yown
to him :
answer; reply to an objection “309
it (he) talks, speaks "yw
carry on a court case with "172 RINT YAW
the verse speaks of... NIP WNW...

from out of; from amongst qin

(he) raised an objection from a Mishna an
or Beraitha :
he asks it and he answers it =? pup NIT) A? IND NAT
teaches, repeats bate)
a Beraitha RNIND
our Mishna (abbr.7ama) PAIN
raise an objection (by counter- argument) 2
(see p. 72 [12])
29
90 10 —>n)

B|

let it be; assuming that a

itis; heis | WI
to him; to it m2
(it is) satisfactory RMI
let us fear warn}
let us see BR (3
let us say RII
they Ww
let them, it, come (be derived) °m?2 ,1N)
let it write aD}
also “D3
he derives it (lit.: it comes
a> NPD}
out for him) <a
the practical difference AY NPD}
(lit. what comes out of it) TORRE

take; adopt; use (a phrase etc.) D722 p23

e)

exercise reasoning faculty (see 1m) 30

he holds m2 NPI
he thinks, he holds, he considers 120
reason; reasoning; something 8720
arrived at by reasoning
he holds it; he holds (usu. pron. A730) 77 730
in that connection
he goes, it goes
enough, plenty; it is sufficient 30
connected passage of Gemara (see p. 72 [15]) NTH
after all, ultimately HID HID
30
 VYIVS— NNYD

argument in support; aid (see p. 72 [9]) NYO

the last part ND’D
you might think; do you think? JAYT NP70
do you mean?
can you possibly mean...? PAY INP?O...

you might think | should say NYON THVT XP'7O

y
its business; its concern ANTAy
what has it to do (here)? AMWAY NN
what's its business? fete Se

better, preferable (f. ND ’TY) ApIy

case (see p. 69 [13]) RTIW

- how much more so M92) MD NAN Py

through, by means of; on behalf of; iy
against your will; perforce (H.) qym7> %y (Ar.) JID oy
world Nn?9
this world NPY ONT
that world (the world to come) ND?Y NINA
on condition ni Sy
matter; connection ry
if it has no connection with... “2 Day IPN ON
we are dealing (with) poy

2)
go out pip
go out and teach it outside (in public) 8727 °1n PD
or: go, expunge it
a little NOV
explanation (see p. 71 [3]) wayd

31
JNYT NPID NP—NIW9

disproof; refutation NDT

dispute RDNIB
disputes; divides (usu. pron. >) "25
a detail vp

excluding... > DIB

he asks; raises an objection (usu. pron. 775) 7B
answers, Solves (see p. 71 [7]) pap
solve, answer (imperative) vive
solve at least one (of the problems) RTM RM VW

he answers; solves (usu. pron. DvE) DWE

surely it is obvious? ROWE
(sometimes:) it is obvious that

xy
it is necessary (see p. 72 [11]) ND"3

necessity; demonstration of why it is NID"

necessary (see p. 72 [11])

?
Note: ? at the beginning of a verb may be a prefix.

(a particle preceding or prefixed “? UXP

to a verb, denoting emphasis)
it stands; it refers (BNP) NP
refers to “RNP
it stands as it was RP ONTD

he/it lets us hear; 12 9209 NP

tells us (this new point)
he said (328 XP) WRP
you (we) might think at the (PAY) JAYT XPD XP
moment; it might occur to you

32
 qn TWIN pry — NwIp

difficulty (see p. 71) NWP

we hold 1? RIP
they hold; they have established wm? OP
inference from the weaker to the aim 9p
stronger (a minori)
first Nr2/2
in front of, in the presence of DP
before him m2
in front of Rabbi... Sees tere

they dispute (usu. pron. yer) CBN NP~) PB?

see 17 YW XP — 12 WNW?
Scripture xo?
difficulty; objection; it is difficult ww
he learns Cap xp) cin
a
inclusion; an expression which 2° 939
includes more (in the Din)
contradiction (see p. 72 [10]) 7777

the All-merciful Qne; (the Author of) the Torah 82217

the first part; beginning; head xo

(he) raised an objection from a verse of 7

Scripture; propounded an (apparent) contradiction
between two verses or quotations (see p. 72 [10])

Vv
Note: W at the beginning of a word may be a prefix.

that; because “UW

|eg
ve
a[|
for there is no inference to say... Wai? TMD PRY
there seems no reason to say... (there is
apparently nothing new to be learnt here, to
warrant the verse saying...)

33
 72 »y~yn — rw

it is different NY

leave(s) pray
again aw

equal; worth Ww
(he) made; made equivalent "Ww
leave over; leave out a7
what (else) has he left out
that he should have left this out?
APY NTT IW ND
answer (see p. 72 [18]) RAPW
frequent mow
because; for in that way
1B
perhaps; in case
nBU
we hear; we understand wynw
you can derive (it); infer it nme ay
May we infer that the Halachah NNDP AN YW
is like R....? We may AID YW ?2...9D

something learnt; a piece of Gemara RDEV

he answers it A? Ww
well; it is good a) 7
it is all right ‘DT TSU
takes ‘pw

come (and) hear (introducing an yaw NN

attempted proof)
(he) wondered at it nel "an

further; moreover (abbr. of 33n, Heb. a.) 3m

Tosefta (see p. 70 (1]) RADIA

it can (could) (should) be asked by you Wovan
34
 phn wH—xNnayvn

a refutation (see p. 71 [8]) xnav

is this a refutation of Rava? 2NI77 NAAN
ie. RGD
let it be; it should be bani)
you will say N71)
surprising (introducing a question in Tosefot) m9°D)
all very well npn
“A” is all very well, but what ND 7a” “XR” NA
can one say about ‘“B’’? 71219? RDN

derive it m> pip

let it stand; the question must (IPA) PN
remain unanswered (see p. 72 [17])
bring; derive alsa
from where can you derive it "MA ND

depends wo?n
the thing depends on... NN WIN. ..3

an inference to say Ti? Tn

( = there is an inference to be drawn
here, leading the verse to say)
three; three things n2n
it was learnt; he learnt RIA
Tanna, Rabbi of Mishna times (1) 83n
person who had memorised much (2) Nan
Mishnaic material (in Gemara times)
our Tanna (the Tanna of the Mishna) NIP NIN
also learns like that
condition "RIA
it is a dispute of Tannaim NOT ONIN
the Rabbis have learnt (usu. pron. 227 33n) 72 ian
(in a Beraitha)

35
nawn— In

he (the Tanna) learns (in a Mishna (1) "an

or Beraitha)
he (i.e. an early Amora) learns (in his personal (2) "3h
Mishna or Beraitha collection)
Bar Kappara learnt a Baraitha (as follows) 875j2 73 "In
Rav taught (the Mishna) to his son 927 27n
(in the following version) :

it has been learnt (in a Beraitha) Nun

we have already learnt this in a Mishna NPN

we have learnt a Mishna in the PIT ANT NT? NPI

same sense as the Beraitha (usu. pron. 197)
you have learnt it in the Mishna mMIn
we have learnt (in a Mishna) pn
we have learnt a Mishna elsewhere ona yn

let it be determined o°non

he interpreted it AI
both of them WIN

two "AD
two (contradictory statements) ? *nID

answer (see p. 71 [5]) (1) 72IWA

rejoinder, objection, refutation (2) M2WN

repentance, return (3) NIWA

36
 pN— NN

COMMONLY USED ABBREVIATIONS

AI ORG

x
impossible TWD ON
it is all right
if you say NDYWD NWN WN
unless JP ON NPR
if you like | can say NR V2 ON
some say ESTEE
or perhaps ND'?"T IN
if so "28
quite so “21° TR
but certainly NT) NPN
the nations of the world o?ivT nimi
after this ny In
afterwards > TOR
if so ]2 O€

he said to him m2 TWX 19 WN

or also "IN
himself ney NX YR
although 3379 48 YN
but perforce NID 7 NPN DYN
although BY AR DYN
even so; nevertheless J2°B 7Y AK D° DYN
even so; nevertheless "2H ATK DR
even "DN BN
it is unnecessary TPIS WR WN
it is unnecessary to say qi PIS IWS S-uR

37
1 —1'N

the verse says RP TON pr

Rabbi... said +672] TAN VR
it comes out all right BY “NN OR
if you will say SONA ON VX
if you can assume 917 "32h ON S-nR

Bava Bathra NWI NB aia

simultaneously nox n33 x”

court prma wret

when is this said ar yax O37 193 hhea=|

the school of Hillel Yon ma va

thank G-d ow 73
toilet NOD m3 273
synagogue noion m3 r>n3
grace after meals piven nD72 ron
Temple wiped ma pnd
twilight nivnwn pa wna
ia
flesh and blood; mortal man ouoe?
m3
at the present time myn Pota rma
the synagogue See le roms
in any place Dip 723 n-Da
in several places niin maD3
without that Bein mWR>3
without a vow Wa°73 253
without a doubt ppd "2 oon
Bava Metzia Be ase n-3
Noachide, non-Jew nya ra

38
 2)NW— N")2

people OTN "3 Nvia

giving (adding) taste oyy 7ni72 0”)3
people of Israel DRY? a “32
with the help of Heaven NWT NAY! 703
twice oraYD 3 5-3
house-owner man bya anys
with G-d’s help ows nwa mya
with G-d’s help (may qyIaM ows niys watya
He be blessed)

living things on °?ya nya

against his will inq2~yva >’y2
by heart mp Sya >”y2
on the eve of Pesach nop Iya
Bava Kamma NO? N22 p73
Bereshit Rabba 729 MwRIS "pS
the school of Shammai "NOW M2 wa

By
also 72 O2 eet
the garden of Eden; Paradise TY B yy
forbidden marriages nity 73
three times D'OYD ’3 De)
similar expression mie 7 wy

7
another explanation; another thing 798937 NT
all agree 239 °27 °T
the passage commencing PrN N37
that he should have m2 107 Sant

39
oy) — NX"

| would have said RYN 737

what are we dealing PPPOY °ND2 NIA
with here
this is how we read POUT
in what case? 21°
that which you say TN ANT NIT
that is the same PI
it is NTT
1 would have thought NPN 7
he should have; it would be mo mI
this is aan
that is the reason NOVY WT
these words (apply) nan
he could have... "yn TI
the onus of roy ian wsing myn
proof is upon the claimant MRA
so also “1°27 wn

these words (apply) sn 37 abeta|

this is what he said WaXP °27 po

on
he asked nwa
the holy one wiTpA
G-d NIT NI. WPA napa
G-d yan? ov “wn

1
etcetera 70) an
and so on ar)! 1
furthermore one can say qi) w Tiy) Sey)

40
 NONDS—INT

this means NWIAN Ni RT

this is not right IN m

these are his words iw? ny Ot

[be] his memory for a blessing 7373? iiD1
[be] his memory for a 73729 33131 nen oor
blessing for the life of the Nan oviv7 >?
world to come
[be] the memory of a righteous PI¥ 121 by rab a

and saintly man for 7972? wip)

a blessing
the memory of the righteous M2739 pty I>1 Sexr
is for a blessing
that which the verse says IND WON 7 OT

G-d forbid nih on

the Sages say ain ODN
deaf-mute, lunatic and minor ira A el
5
some say ain w>
some read Popa wo
one can say ni wm
some explain ow W?
evil inclination YI TE,
may He be blessed WM
may His name be blessed Yow F130?

(he) wrote an> i

each one THN) TH 7D NND

41
pna—a'nd

high priest Sima yD wind

in that manner NYRI *D

etcetera 9D AP)

all this nr 9D ine]

all the time 73172

so much Lee =)

likewise J2 wD
every place; anywhere pipe 72 loa)

as it is written aNDwv a>) age)

as we have written WANdwa>

as mentioned above oy? TBHP
so it appears to. me 2 TN T2
everyone NDPY ID
so it should read ai? PAS yD
whatever the amount NIN 2D
all the more y2v 9D
all the more y2 9D
if you say RN 7D

5
language; expression hw?
another version RPINN NW
from Creation: Anno Mundi ovivn nea y”ma9
we do not read POU XY? >
it does not resemble "DT RX? 35
it is not exact RPV IN?
complete denial ovivn a xd own
holy language wIpA yw pom?

42
 I") — Fn?

slander 7 Tw? sno

according to everyone way “3? yrD>
he does not hold aro nb oy
why should 1; why do I need "2 Mp?
according to the one who says ONT PN? vn
according to this nye? vpd
according to what ma *b'? np
Common Era oii n7po? vo
it is not difficult NWP NP pen
the first version wpe Nag"? per
it is not difficult at all "19 ep X? mp?
no difference NW NX? wd
does not apply Pw RN?
negative command npn x2 n>

the one who says VaR'T JR xe

you might have thought NNT 1

from the Torah NOTIN ANN
from the Torah ANAT yo nnn
what is the reason NBUD "ND un
A parable. What amg 27 mB? 7D vnen
does this resemble?
negative command noyn x? ns non
anyway pipe ‘23% nn
whence these words? “9979 2 NW nmi

from where does he (do we) (12) 72 NI” 9”19

get this?

43
vny—vo"'n

the Master holds 9329 779 ela)

the tractate ‘Scribes’ opin n>d07

positive command ney nyysn yn
another place TAN DIpD Npn
what is the difference ny 8 wn
because of this "27 ow wn
what he wrote an>v nn 2”Un

another version NPION NTU N-2

giving (adding) taste pyy qa 0")
it appears to me 2 AN net
practical difference rr 8pb) n°}

book 720 fe)

the help of Heaven NvBwT NOVO 1790

you might think JAY NP?D

you might think |would say 8PAX JAYTNP'70 RTO

sign; paragraph Be OD

he holds m2 NVIO bd

how much more so T7921 M92 NOX Vy YORY

on top of "2129 y

idol worship orrya nTiay

peace be upon him! oven oy vy

ignoramus PANG OY
world to come Naa obiy amy

this world nya o7iy ring

44
 ap—ry

idolatry ay ATA ry
thereon nt oy
through, by op by wy
see my my
thereby nr oy my
see ibid. Ov py voy
therefore q2 0 oy
perforce qN2 Py
idolator niry9) 03219 TIiv o”1Dy
end of quotation inw? IRD TY bray
anyway op 2D by py
on condition nin oy n’y
according to » oy py
the eve of Pesach mop Ty

5
chapter, portion MWD ,PIp ‘2
second chapter ‘a pq Pid)
last chapter RW2 PS
first chapter N72? PD PD

8
it should say Ini? 7S 2°
it should be nv? PAS
this needs great consideration yta ry yO vyy
this needs a little DEP TY IS py
consideration

G-d APIA ap
45
pyv—-"p

argument from minor to major 77217) op Y?

(from the lesser to the greater)

we hold 1? NIP oop
he finds it difficult m2 TWP op
it is easy to understand pat op
it comes to tell us 1? yw NP “np
you first thought JAYT NPP NP TDP

5
Rabbi (title of Tanna, or Amora of 9) ‘a
Eretz Yisrael); Rabbi Judah the Prince
see (modern usage) ON]
WN IT UVR 727 WOR 737
2X73 72)
MV7 VN NIT TI
OP PDI INV DI AWA 2D AWA a7
he means to say sai? WE
Resh Lakish wp? wry
G-d preserve us! TOS"? NVI
initial letters nian WRT
Rabbenu Tam (in Tosefot) on 3337

v
bloodshed nt Nw Tw

it is all right 2T YEW

learn from it ma YW no

the six orders (—the “TTO Tw! ow

Talmud)

46
 VM Us

n
the inference teaches us said tnen ben
let him derive it me prey
praise be to G-d POND AAD
the first Tanna N79)? NIN, pn
the Rabbis learnt pyyup yn
come and hear yOw XA wn

which? ra) this No

where? x20 here N27

how? 2 so "20

NUMERICAL
VALUES
OF HEBREW
LETTERS
NAMES OF THE MONTHS
="
30 wr
10°) .7 Wh .1
40
PR .8 wn .2
50 INA he
v9 .9 LEAP 120) .3
60
70 en
ee
nal
ine
94
TOA 10 YEAR nav .4
80 Be Th 'R TIN 6a vaw .5
90 FOR 12 IN 6b TIN .6
100
200 AF
fears
(cities NOTE: 11 is written 8”?, 12 —a”, 13 —1”", and
so on. However, 15 is written ”0 and 16 —1’v,
300 SCO
DMN
ON
&
WH
— a
because the alternatives resemble the Divine
400 3@Guw>ynwruuoaw.ds
N i=) uUu Name.

47
 Talmudic Aramaic — Nouns

TALMUDIC ARAMAIC

INTRODUCTION
Aramaic is a language closely related to Hebrew and
the basic structure of the two languages is very simi-
lar. The following notes will assume in the reader an
acquaintance with at least the elements of Hebrew
grammar. The Aramaic of the Talmud is clipped and
colloquial and differs to some extent in form and style
from literary Aramaic. (For the latter the student is
referred to the Aramaic portions of the Bible — Daniel
ch. 2-7 and Ezra ch. 4-6; and, for a later version of the
language, the Targum of Onkelos on the Torah.) These
differences will be noted as far as practicable and
variations in spelling arising from the unvocalised
text of the Talmud will also be pointed out. Talmud
students through the ages have created their own
brand of ‘‘colloquial Aramaic’ so far as pronunciation
is concerned. The variants have been indicated wher-
ever possible.

NOUNS
Nouns ending in 7=,.-..~."> and M7 are usually
feminine. Other endings are masculine.
The definite article is indicated by the suffix ¥>
in the case of masculine nouns, and 8D- (or 8A-) in
feminine nouns.
The full table of some typical masculine and femi-
nine nouns, including the plural and construct forms,
is given below.

48
 MASCULINE NOUNS
Singular a mouth op
Construct mouth of —o
With Def. Art. the mouth NID
Plural mouths pais
Construct mouths of ID
With Def. Art. the mouths RI
Singular aman 723
“33;
Construct man of
With Def. Art. the man rp
Plural men rsa
Construct men of "3a
With Def. Art. the men ea
FEMININE NOUNS
Singular a prayer x
Construct prayer of “ni7%
With Def. Art. the prayer xni?x
Plural prayers nes
Construct prayers of ony?8
With Def. Art. the prayers RNN?S
Singular a country a)
Construct country of “nyt
With Def. Art. the country ROPT
Plural countries nat
Construct countries of a
With Def. Art. the countries NOPT?
Singular a camp "Ww
Construct camp of “0
With Def. Art. the camp xno
Plural camps pee
Construct camps of new
With Def. Art. the camps NDT we
49
 Pronominal Suffixes
SSeS SS See

Singular an animal avy

Construct animal of “nrn
With Def. Art. the animal xnYn
Plural animals wn
Construct animals of “nrn
With Def. Art. the animals ROT

Note. In the Talmud the final nun of the masculine

plural is often omitted. Thus:
"723°2) two men "29233 those dogs
PRONOMINAL SUFFIXES
As in Hebrew, pronominal suffixes play a promi-
nent part in sentence construction. The main ones
are as follows:
SINGULAR
Masc. nouns Fem. nouns
day; the day nov jor daughter; xN73 N13
the daughter

my day ‘2” = my daughter 73

your (m s) day ye” = your daughter 7912
his day my = his daughter Anya
her day mms her daughter anya
our day x2”? = our daughter &In73
your(mpl) day 122" ~~ your daughter 12072
their (m) day far —s their daughter P7N13
PLURAL
animals; the RON NA
animals

my animals “orn
your (m s) animals qorn
his animals Anvo
her animals xanrn

50
Pronominal Suffixes

our animals ma
your (m pl) animals nonrn
their (m) animals panrn

fields: the fields = S7pPN;Popn

my fields 20
your (m s) fields yepn
his fields ‘apn
her fields RTM
our fields RI2P0
your (m pl) fields popn
their (m) fields prypn

Notes. In the Talmud, which is unvocalised, a ° is in-

serted before the 7 in the “his” forms to indicate the
pronunciation. Thus xa72¥ his great name, appears
as: Nad mnw. For a similar reason pn appears in
the Talmud as °8??n. Also, the final 7 in the ‘‘your
(pl.)" and ‘‘their” forms is usually omitted. Thus: For
po"72 your garments, we have: 15"n"71 (usually
pronounced 1372°73). For pianyn their animal, we
have: winrn (usually pronounced wnvrn). Also the
form ‘ibpn_ his fields, often drops the 5 and appears
as: “pn. ‘(Henceforth in these notes Talmudic varia-
tions will be introduced simply by the abbreviation
“Talm."’)
Syntax. In the Talmud the possessive is generally ex-
pressed by use of the preposition ~7 of, used as a
prefix. Thus: xopntxipx the trees of the field;
NWT NIT the law of tradition.

51
 Adjectives
ee

When the reference is to a particular person or object

the construction is:
NaN°377772 ~~ the son of Rabbi Abba (lit. his son, of
Rabbi Abba)
“WYN NY2W people's names (lit. their names, of people).
(This form of the possessive was taken over by Mish-
naic Hebrew. Thus: 1x2 9 5w inv’x Rabbi Meir’s wife.)

ADJECTIVES

Adjectives agree with the noun and are conjugated

similarly.

Sv beautiful
Masc. form Fem. form
Indefinite =) NYE
Singular
With def. art. NTS NNT
Plural Indefinite Prev Tree
With def. art. NTE NNT

Syntax. Noun-adjective syntax is similar to the Heb-

rew. Examples:
nAx =a woman
ND-1N tall (f)
NDNA a tall woman
(x77) NDIN-NNAN — the woman is tall
NADINNNAN the tall woman
128 a tree (m)
ys tall (m)
TIN IPR a tall tree
(ain) JAR-NIPR — the tree is tall
RDN NIPR the tall tree

52
Numerals

Comparatives are expressed by “20 more, and 83

less; superlatives by: T7722 than all of them.
‘BOA? T
sonearer "pb pid ~=redder
fav>2 30 best fa?D2 "BY =most
Note also: 82% very; 8A a little.
NaI IP very near NATD "HY a little more

NUMERALS
These are the forms most frequently found:
Cardinal numbers

; ms “a ll. Weytn In = 30. pnd

2 TR
on ‘yn 12. Jonn* 40. Pyas

3. XNA n2n 13. 70°2n 50. punn

4, NYDIN yas 14. 70°38 60. pnw
5. NvOn won 15. so7an 70. pyav
6. XAv mu 16. TOnw 80. pron
7. NVI > ae 702 w 90. pyon
8. NIN ann «18. TOA «100. mN72
9. xYwN yn 19. sown 200. JON?
10. NOY Joy 20. piyy = 300. AN? n?n

Ordinals
M. F. M. ie
Ist NDIP GRP ANITPGRNBR 6th RONG ARMY
and RNIN 7th «NTI ANZ
3rd - (ND? ANNA 8th oORPON ANN
Ath “NMI ARID 9th CRYWA ARYwN
5th (RON ARAN 10th RXTVY AR PVY
last o8W2 ANN.
*
Mod. Hebrew: ‘a dozen’.

53
 Pronouns

Fractions Proportions
xI7D_ a half Talm. pin tn by two to one
ND?N_ a third xn‘°n
nyn tn %y three to one
8YI7 0a quarter = &y3
xvon a fifth Nw vy 72 77 one in ten
nin’ a sixth
PRONOUNS
Personal pronouns (which also have the sense of
‘| am’, ‘you are’, etc.) are as follows:
| RIN we pS
you (m & f) DIX* you (pl) PAN
he VPN they pPoX of

she PR
*Talm. DX **Talm. Wl AYN

Dative
to me Poe eiP tous Py
to you 7? 203 to you T>?*
to him a2 aD to them in?**
: to her 72 AM
*Talm. 12° **Talm. 197
Possessive
Talm. Talm.
mine 7 Para ours 127 yw
yours 727 ain ss yours po'"7 Ba O's

his FW ae SB theirs fart ow™

hers AT GENT
Syntax. The dative pronouns 7? and 9? are often
used in the Talmud to denote the direct object of the
verb, while 27 is reserved for the indirect object.
Thus:
m2 2°01 he took it m2 42x he said it

54
Prepositions

mom m2 37? he gave it to him. But ~? can be used

for both; e.g.: 72 172 NIB’OID_-| add them to him (Hagiga
5a).

Relative. "7 (or prefix ~7) stands for: who, which, that.
Interrogative. 72 (Talm. J8®2) who? ™ (Talm. °%”)
what? X82 and °8? also stand for: who is? what is?

Demonstrative
This m.[% f. XTX With def. art.: m. PII f. 818

That m. NWAPRTLAD fF, wan

These 12% Those 30,937 710

Both "TRI°TSR (this one and that one)
Both (f) 8a)Nd

Syntax
Pt and 87 follow the noun; 877 and X99 precede it.
TTI N1wY this document ‘N27 those houses
89338397 «that man; a certain man (in an unpleasant
context, also used to refer to oneself.)

PREPOSITIONS
Some of these may be conjugated in a similar way
to the possessive pronouns. E.g.:
From, of, than 77 S. Pi
A; “y2 ne)
2: 4) nov
me nay

Together with "772

1. iia ine)
2, qa pea
3. }o PRs. “Snean3

55
 Verbs — Pe'al

Within, among na
1: "a yaa
Note: In Talm. the } is ‘ | eee
2 7233 03
doubled, thus "33 etc. a :
Sh ma Ws
Like, as n>
1. nD Me
Note: Talm. ""N> etc. a yD ssa"nID
3. mm> inn
Others frequently met with: 2 Talm: W” out of,
from among, following from; %?°Y? above 8An? below.
VERBS
The structure of the Verb in Aramaic follows close-
ly that of the Hebrew.
Each verb-form (or Binyan) is conjugated in the past
and future tense and possesses a present participle,
imperative and infinitive.
There are six basic Binyanim, of which only the
following five occur with any degree of frequency in
the Talmud:
Grammatical Corresponding
Name Hebrew Function
Binyan
Pe’al 295 22 Simple indicative
Itpe’al 2YENN °YD1 Passive
Pa‘al 2¥B “YB Intensive
Af'al 2YDN ?YD Causative
Itaf’al 2YDNN °YPNI —-Reflexive
PE’AL (Simple)
“vp to tie"
* The stem usually employed to illustrate the verb-forms is: Dy
to kill. This is however not in accordance with Jewish sens-
ibility and the stem “Wp to tie, has been chosen instead.

56
Past — Future

Past
Singular Plural
t | tied nj? we tied ROP
2.m. you tied mW? you tied NWP
f. you tied nNWw}? you tied TOTP
3.m. he tied Ww? they tied WD?
f. she tied nv they tied NTO?

Talmudic variants:
1st person sing. N2¥? would be spelt MP but in
practice the 7 is often omitted and we find “uP
I tied; “28 | said, etc.
1st person plural X21¥/? is spelt RIVY.
3rd person plural 7%? is spelt 1? but a
colloquial form frequently found in the Talmud omits
the } and changes the preceding vowel to 1 Thus:
p37778 the Rabbis said
“Ik I77 «then they ate
TpaT N22 all that they instituted
Future
Singular Plural
De | shall tie WPR we Shall tie Wi}
2.m. you will tie WPA you will tie pwn
f. you will tie “PIpn you will tie Mvypn
3.m. he will tie TW? they will tie PWD?
f. she will tie WD they will tie Pn
* The final nun is often omitted

Talmudic variants:
The forms PX Ph etc. are spelt NPR -NvPN
Note: For simplicity’s sake the feminine plural forms
will generally be omitted in the subsequent
tables.
 Participles — Variations

Participles Singular Plural

Active m. - UP “Tee
fr Sagau ORR Ter
Passive m. Yop *prop
fs Bae RTUP mp
* The final nun is often omitted
Imperative WP Mvp
Infinitive awpe wpe? Talm. wp»?
Standard Variations
As in Hebrew there are standard variations in the
conjugation of certain verbs whose root-stems have
certain special characteristics. Some examples:
(1) Roots ending in&~ 47, or*. E.g. 81M see;
RY2 ask; “W begin, 77 be.
The following examples will be conjugated:
RIN to see; 7 to be.
Past Future
Singular 1. mn mg "THR "WIR
2 WE 4 vs Hn alata)
3. RIN nin ma nn ™ iL
Plural 1. NIN RDN “mi mua
2. pon po rion may
3. mn 7 nm ip
Participles
Active Passive
f f f
s. “ nin a Ni “In on
pl. mn a [al
(*usu. pron. 1m)
Imperative Infinitive
s. n a ma?) a (9)
pl. mn m7

58
Variation — Syntax

(2) Verbs whose roots begin with ® change the &

into ° in the Future. Thus: 88 to come.
Singular 1. “8 | shall come
2 *™-n you will come
3. " he will come DD she will come
Plural 1 "1 we will come
2. PND you will come
3. pn~ they will come
(3) Roots with ) or * as 2nd letter. E.g. oO)? rise;
ow place, put.
Example: Op to rise
Past Future
Singular 1. ni? DIP
a ‘alela oye
3 ON ,O/ Dip?
Plural 1 N22 or}
2. prep pain
3 M0)? pap?
Participle
Active 28/2 Talm. O°8} abbr. °X/

Imperative Si pl. Infinitive

obi ya}? opn(?)

(4) Roots whose first letter is drop the3

in the future tense. Example: (53 to go out.
Future
Sing. 1. Pex Pls ti pp
2: pen 2. PPen
3: pp? 3: nee?
SYNTAX
(1) In the colloquial Aramaic of the Talmud a great
deal of use is made of the present participle, in
conjunction with personal pronouns as suffixes.

59
 Syntax
a

Evgte
NIP70 (RIK P70) | go up
(usu. pron x3p?°70)
n270 (AX pd) you go up
mp (pe pe>o) ini
(usu.giapron. 27779)
Similarly: "93 wanting, asking; 8P¥2 | want; 193
we want; “VOR saying; RITON (contr. NIN

usu. pron. 81728) | say; 2X we say (contr.

PAN); PIX (Contr. "W9X) they say.

(2) The past of ‘to be" with the participle is often

used to express continuous action in the past.
E.g.: VOX 717 he used to say; "17x 117 they used to say
Similarly the future of ‘‘to be’ with the participle
expresses continuous action in the future. E.g.
yaoi fit? they will be taking.
The 3rd person past tense of ‘to be” is also
used with the participle to express the sub-
junctive mood. E.g.
RYAN 7 | would have said; | might have said.
21m? 7? 77 we should have gone (lit. it was for us to go).

(3) The particle %/ often precedes the past tense

or present participles of verbs
with emphatic
effeet. It is derived from the participle OX? “Xp?
standing, stands; i.e. the action described
“stands”, is confirmed. (Cf. the use of the auxil-
iary verb ‘“‘to do” in ‘‘he did go”.) It is often con-
tracted to ~? and used as a prefix. E.g.
RPDN XP NNN? | come (usu. pron. xrnx)
VOR NP WAX? he says (usu. pron. 72x?)
"ID RP PIN/? he learns

60
Other Binyanim
are ela6Saal aa See Sl Pe EERE NR tn

(4) The prefix - (or -¥) prefixed to the 3rd_per-

son future of many verbs has the sense
of “let one”, “let him”. It appears to be a con-
traction of the infinitive: 7x2? — W227
E.g. he will come; "M2? to come "N"? let him come
07.” he will read; on? to read; om? let him read

j 720%) TTT) RENE wr TBF?

one should learn first and only then analyse
(5) The passive participle of X17 to see —
m (mj), X77 (f) — appears very often in the
sense of “fit, fitting’ (as Heb. 8).
(Cf. “visa” in diplomatic usage.)
OTHER BINYANIM
We give below the conjugation tables of the other
four verb-forms met with in the Talmudic literature.
(Feminine endings omitted for simplicity.)
OVEN 2¥D 2UDN 2YDNR
Passive Intensive Causative Reflexive
Past was tied tied up caused tied
to tie myself
Sing. 1. Nn OPOX NW NWR NIDPAX
2. NPN nw) NAWPR AWPAX

3. Ee TWP TWP TPAN

Plur. 1. NwPNN RR RTPN NTTUPAR
2. PNW PNR pepe PAWPR —-PNWHN
a MPN yup VPN VPA

Future wili be will tie will cause will tie

tied up to tie (my)self
Sing. 1. WEN WK TWX TWWPAR
é TWwpPnn Wen WA TwPepAn
3 Wen? Wie” VW??? wpm
Plur. 1. WwpPNd W)23 W/P3 TwPN
Om, poypenn PIwpeA Pwpey pPowpan
3. pwn? MV? Pw? Mayen?

61
 Other Binyanim — Variations

Participle being tied tying up causing to tying

tie oneself
TPN WP? TWP WPA
Infinitive to be tied totie to cause’ totie
up to tie oneself
RTD RW? RWPR NTOPDR

Standard Variations
Some variations occur in the above forms, related
to the occurrence of certain letters in the root-stems,
as outlined above in the case of the Pe’al. It has not
been thought necessary to list these here in full; they
can be deduced in most cases without much difficulty
from the notes given previously. Some special cases
are given below.

(1) Verbs whose roots commence with 8% change

the ® to ° in the Af'al. Roots ending in x, 7
or * undergo the variations mentioned above for
the Pe’al. The verb 8X “to come" combines
both these characteristics, and is conjugated in
the Af’al as follows:
NNN to come Af'al 8™8 to make come, to bring
Past Future
Talm. Talm.
Sing. 1. NMR NMR asi: NMR
oF MN MN ™R a aha) nen

eS YN NN BS abb

Plursaa: RPON NTN m3 ni

2. PO PNR pny wen
3 é PON TNR pn” sn

Participle on aha)
Infinitive RDN NOM

62
Variations — Syntax

(2) Ithpe’al (passive). In some verbs whose 1st root-

letter is a sibilant or dental, the 1 of the Ithpe’al
comes after this first root-letter (as in Hebrew
in the Hitpa’el
Thus: 0°O to note; O°AOM let it be noted.
yn to hear; Y2Nwv it is heard; implied
Where the first root-letter is 1. the 1 is replaced
by 7 inserted between the 1st and 2nd letter of
the root.
72! he sold; j27% it is sold.
Where the first letter is 7 the 7 of the Ithpe’al
is elided: 729 he broke; 7258 it was broken.
In Talmudic Aramaic the 1 of the Ithpe’al is
often omitted in other verbs. E.g.
‘yara—"Yan it is needed
Yup —Yupna he gets killed
RToOMA-NIONN it is lacking
V2PR-Y2PNX he visited
"yy —°vi2N they are prevented
WIR—-NIWNX she was called
"MPR
—"MINN had become fit
SYNTAX
(1) In Aramaic the verb generally comes at the end
of the sentence. Thus:
DIN ND2N'? WHT PINA lit. Then Daniel to the king went.
But in the Talmud this rule is not always
adhered to.
(2) The function of the Binyanim may be found to
vary. Words which have a simple sense in Eng-
lish may be conjugated in the Af’al in Aramaic.
Thus “he found” is T2¥8 an Af'al form. The same
may apply to the Pa’al (intensive); e.g. “he

63
 Variations — Suffixes

praised’ is M30 a Pa’al form. Note also: 72!

he bought; 13! (Pa’al) he sold. 73 he learnt;
Tax (Af'al) he taught.
(3) The infinitive is sometimes used in conjunction
with the active verb for emphasis (as in Biblical,
but not Mishnaic, Hebrew). Thus:
m3") "22 202 they stole it from him (lit. perhaps:
“as-far as stealing is concerned, they stole it’);
APY. WAN NP V9} WP TY APN RP YIP"
you should not tear it up but you should also not
learn from it (Bava Bathra 130b).
(4) The passive participle is often used in conjunction
with °? or 72 to express a state of affairs.
“> xv RN? it is not heard by me (I have not heard it)
m2 N30 it is held by him (he holds it—i.e. an opinion).

PRONOMINAL SUFFIXES
These are much used in simple sentences when
the object of the verb is: me, you, him, etc. They are
given below for verbs in the Pe’al or simple form, but
can be used with any active Binyan.
nywe DWP Wwe RW PAW? MDP?
I you he we you they
tied tied tied tied tied tied
Object
me — Jap MNP — ORM TWP IN?

you JAW? a Wwe Wee = WW

(s.)
him TOWweR THWP MBA MMP ANN We WN?

her ADR AMR AR AMP ARPA NY)

us — RInR ONIWP — RAPP RTP

64
Syntax — Correspondences

| you he we you _— they

tied tied tied tied tied tied
you Pen vp — fo wp Pop — pan
(pl.)
them wyrnrwp wrap Prove Pry PRarwP PnP

SYNTAX
The pronominal suffix is usually attached to the
verb even though the object is expressly referred to
inthe sentence. Thus: A°ND0X W323 "71 NIX
| found my ox in your pit (lit.: |, my ox, in your pit
| found it).
"ON NBD ITTV -R. Papa asked of him: of Abaye

HEBREW-ARAMAIC ROOT-LETTER
CORRESPONDENCES
It can be helpful in identifying Aramaic words if one
knows that certain Hebrew consonants are replaced
by different consonants in Aramaic in a more or less
standard way. These correspondences are by no
means invariable but they occur with sufficient fre-
quency to be useful. Some examples:
Heb. Ar. Trans. Heb. Ar. Trans.
w n 8 y
vow n?n three yn y29 lie down
120 12h snow ry YX wood
"yw = RYN gate ys RYAN land
ally “in ox TST RVI. goodwill
x v 1 7
nmsy ROY advice 31 727 male
vox = vbun limping «=DNT TT NTT this
°s oN’? shade TR NITR ear
yn ba. run 31) TNT flow

65
 End-piece

END-PIECE
A few notes on Hebrew vocalisation

(1) Accuracy in vocalisation and pronunciation is often

essential to clarity of thought. Even a misplaced
accent can lead to a complete change of meaning.
Ege
Vv Vv

M2 in us 13 they built (root m2);

Vv
av they returned (root a1);
Vv

yaw they captured (root 72¥);

Vv
inv they placed (root nw);

ny they drank (root mnvw).

(2) The Hiphilof vy verbs sometimes gives rise to

some confusion in vocalisation. These are the correct
forms:

Root Past Present Future Infinitive

aw wn avn a avn
N13 waa IN n2? ~w3n?
WY TyA Ty ue ryan?
7m TI 71 vy 337?
70 On 707 TO: yom?
on ehaa| on on on?

(3) The correct form of pronominal suffixes should also

be noted. They must often be distinguished from the
simple past tense of verbs, and from the gerund form
(much used in Biblical Hebrew). Thus:

66
End-piece

Simple past Past with Gerund with

pronom. suffix pronom. suffix

mw alae) aw
they guarded he guarded him his guarding
ny wy nye
she guarded he guarded her her guarding

It is clear that failure to distinguish 1? 73n2 ‘she

gave to him’ from 1? 73M3 ‘he gave her/it to him’ can
easily lead to confusion.

67
 APPENDIX 1

INTRODUCTION TO THE TALMUD

by
RABBI SAMUEL HA-NAGID'
In which he records everything that a beginner needs
to know to ease his path in the study of the Talmud.

1. The Talmud is divided into two parts: (a) the

Mishna; and (b) the commentary on the Mishna.

2. The Mishna is what is called the “Oral Law”. It

contains the essential Torah transmitted orally from
Moshe Rabbenu to the time of Rabbi Judah the Holy, also
known as Rabbi Judah the Prince [ca. 130-220 C.E.], who
committed it to writing to ensure its long-term survival in
face of the danger that it might be forgotten and lost. [The
Mishna also includes much rabbinic legislation promul-
gated by the Rabbis to safeguard the Torah, in the form of
niaspni nwa ,0°2°0 “fences”, decrees and ordinances. |

' “Nagid” (=Prince, Ruler) was the title given to the acknowl-
edged head of the Jewish community in Moslem Spain, and also
in Egypt. It used to be assumed that the “Rabbi Samuel Ha-
Nagid” mentioned here was the distinguished bearer of this
name who flourished in Spain in the 11th century and who was a
famous talmudist, philosopher, poet and statesman (993-1060).
There is however clear evidence that the actual author of this
Introduction was another Rabbi Samuel Ha-Nagid who was head
of the Egyptian Jewish community about the middle of the 12th
Century.
It seems to have been written for adult students who were
commencing the study of the Talmud and needed a guide to its
structure and methodology. The brief survey it gives can be of
great benefit to those of us who find ourselves today in a very
similar situation.
This translation is based on a manuscript version in the
Sassoon collection (No. 1046). My dear and esteemed friend

68
Rabbi Samuel Ha-Nagid

3. This work can also be divided into two parts: (a)

established law; and (b) rejected law. The established law
[insofar as it refers to legislation contained in the Torah
itself — min ha-Torah] is that which was learned direct
from Moshe Rabbenu, who received it direct from the
Almighty. It may appear in the name of a single sage or in
the name of many, as will be explained later.

4. “Rejected law” is that side of a dispute which though

recorded has not been accepted. This may also appear in
the name of a single sage or of many. The question may be
asked: Why did Rabbenu Ha-Kadosh (Rabbi Judah the
Holy) record those matters which are not accepted as law?
Surely it would have been better to include only such laws
as are binding? The answer is that during the early times
each sage recorded for himself all that he had learned,
whether accepted or not. When Rabbenu Ha-Kadosh
came to record the Mishna he felt compelled to include
those views which were not accepted, so as to avoid the
possibility of someone bringing forward these opinions,
which he may have heard from one of the sages, and
endeavouring to contradict the accepted law. If he did so,
he could easily be refuted by pointing out that they
represent views that have not been accepted. This is
pointed out by the Sages in the Mishna [Eduyot, chap. 1],
where they say: ‘“Why were the words of the single sage
lmed
the late Rabbi S. D. Sassoon and the Institute of Microfi
the Jewish Nationa l & Univers ity
Hebrew Manuscripts of
the
Library of Jerusalem kindly gave me permission to use
microfilm of this manuscr ipt (No. 9291).
The introductory sentence printed in bold type appears only in
the manuscript version. Sentences found in the printed editions
and not in the manuscript, when included, have been enclosed in
braces |}. The numbering of the paragraphs and sub-paragraphs
and some items of additional information and clarification have
been supplied by the translator. The latter are given in square
brackets. The printed version may be found in the Vilna Shass,
where it appears after Massechet Berachot.

69
 Introduction to the Talmud

recorded beside the words of the majority to no apparent

purpose? Because if anyone were to come and say, ‘I heard
such-and-such’, they will be able to tell him ‘You heard
this from so-and-so’; meaning ‘and this is not the law.” ?

5. Thus far we have been discussing the first part of the

Talmud, which is the Mishna. The second part, which is
the commentary on the Mishna, is called the Gemara [i.e.,
tradition]. This comprises many components, twenty-one
in all; such as Tosefta, Beraitha, explanations, questions,
answers, difficulties and their solutions, and many others,
which will now be briefly explained.

[1] Tosefta (‘‘Addition’”) is a form of Beraitha —

mishnaic material not included in the Mishna — [and is
appended to every tractate of the Mishna]. In the Talmud
it is usually introduced by the word x?1n . When it follows
the rulings of the Mishna it is accepted as law. [It contains
much valuable information, throwing light on many a
mishna. |
[2] Beraitha (‘‘outside material’’) includes all the other
mishnaic material compiled and transmitted by sages
after the Mishna, such as the mishnaic material compiled

“Note on the origin of disputes (from Maimonides’

Introduction to his Commentary to the Mishna):
“Disputes arose only in those parts of the law derived by
reasoning. They occurred in connection with matters of fine
detail on which no ruling had been transmitted and which
consequently had to be derived by a process of deduction and
analogy, on the basis of principles and rulings previously handed
down. Now it is well known that no two sages think exactly alike,
and so disputes arose as to what principle to apply to the precise
point of detail under discussion and how to apply it. Particularly
in later generations, when troubles and persecutions affected the
intensity of learning and the clarity of the thinking process,
disputes in matters of detail became quite frequent, and are
recorded in the Mishna, and the law is decided according to the
majority opinion, or in accordance with rules laid down.”

70
Rabbi Samuel Ha-Nagid

and recorded by Rabbi Hiyya [favourite disciple of Rabbi

Judah the Prince] and Rabbi Oshaya; the Mishna of
Rabbi Eliezer b. Yaakov, the Mechilta of Rabbi Yishmael,
the Letters of Rabbi Akiva; as well as the legal midrashim
which follow verses of the Torah, such as Mechilta on
Exodus, Torat Kohanim (or Sifra) on Leviticus and Sifre
on Numbers and Deuteronomy. These are generally intro-
duced by the words 7327 119 and conflicting statements by
the words JPN N7In...8771n. All Beraitha material which
is not contested in the Gemara is accepted as law; where
there is a dispute the law is decided according to the
rulings given [see paragraphs [6], [7], [8] below].
[3] Peyrush (explanation) is the elucidation by the
Gemara of matters contained in the Mishna, and is
marked by the words ‘What is so-and-so?”’ followed by the
explanation.
[4] She’eyla (Aramaic: X°y2) is a request for a ruling,
and may be addressed by one group to another (177? X°Y3N),
or by a group to an individual (777 1v2), or by one
individual to another (7°37 xy2). The law is determined
by the replies given.
[5] Teshuva is the answer given to the enquiries
mentioned above, and it is established as law in accord-
ance with the rulings given.
[6] Difficulty (Aramaic: x°wip)refers to an objection
raised against the opinion of an Amora by citation of an
[apparently] conflieting source. . . . If raised by more than
one sage it is introduced by °2°n’? and if by one: WINK.
[7] Resolution (Aramaic: xpinp) is the answer given
resolving the difficulty and if not disputed is [often]
accepted as law. [See also [18] below.]
[8] Refutation (XA3”"M) occurs where a ruling is refuted
by clear proofs; the law is then decided according to the
strength of the proofs. [If the statement of an Amora — a
sage of the Talmud — is found to be contradicted by a
Tanna — a sage of the Mishna — he is thereby refuted,
unless he can find another Tanna to support him.]

71
 Introduction to the Talmud

[9] Support (Aramaic: XY?) is a source cited to

strengthen a given ruling and to support its acceptance;
introduced by the words 7°2 y707) N72°2.
[10] Contradiction ( x97) occurs when an apparent
contradiction between two [equivalent] sources is pointed
out. Introduced by 37YPAI, "IPA. 7N1...°21-
[11] Necessity (xnID"y ): a demonstration that each of
two or more apparently similar statements in a source is
needed, [because each contains some information not
provided by the other(s)]. Introduced by x2”).
[12] Attack ( XMDPNX ) is an objection raised [on the
basis of reasoning rather than the citation of conflicting
sources]. It is found only in.connection with Amoraim (the
sages of the later, Gemara, period) and is introduced by
..°27 72 ppny . The decision is as in [8] above.
[13] Case (Heb. nwyn; Aramaic: x72:Y) is the citation
of an actual happening on which a decision is reported.
[14] Tradition (Aramaic: XNAYDW) is a saying contain-
ing information on a halachic subject. Opposite: Aggada
[see [19] below.]
[15] Sugya(x7310) is a connected passage of Gemara
containing a series of questions and answers.
[16] Hilchetha (xn>7°7): a decision rendered in a case of
dispute, where the Gemara concludes “The halacha is
according to so-and-so.”
[17] Teyku (apm) [literally: “let it stand’’] occurs where
there is a doubt in the Gemara on a point of halacha and
the matter is left without decision. If it relates to a money
matter the practice is to follow the lenient ruling [i.e., the
defendant is exempted from payment]; and in the case of
prohibitions, the practice is to follow the more stringent
ruling [except in the case of some rabbinic prohibi-
tions]; ae
[18] Interpretation (Aramaic: x?177W): where a sage is
faced with a contradiction from an accepted source and he
endeavours to re-interpret the source so that it no longer
conflicts with his view... .

72
Rabbi Samuel Ha-Nagid

[19] Aggada (Aramaic: NA73N ): everything mentioned

in the Gemara which is not directly connected with the
halachic aspect of a commandment. One should learn
from such statements only those things which our minds
can grasp. It is important to know that all matters which
our Sages established as law, in connection with a com-
mandment transmitted by Moshe Rabbenu who received
it from the Almighty, cannot be augmented or diminished
in any way. However, the [aggadic] explanations they
rendered of biblical verses were in accordance with their
individual views and the ideas which occurred to them.
We should learn from them insofar as our minds can grasp
them; but otherwise we should not build upon them.
[Since we have not succeeded in understanding the deeper
meaning of their words, we should not attempt to use them
as the basis of our thinking.]
[20] Teaching (Heb. 7x717) is a tradition regarding a
commandment issuing from the sages in assemblies or
academies.
[21] Shitta (Heb. 7u°w) refers to a number of individ-
ual sages each reported as holding a similar opinion and
cited together as such in the Gemara; in which case we are
told that the decision is not like any of them. {You should
know that the Talmud was completed in the time of
Ravina and Rav Ashi [5th C.] and it is they who taught us
the secrets of its compilation, including such rules as the
above.}

6. The rules for arriving at decisions in disputes

between Tannaim [sages of the Mishna] are as follows:
[1] One against many: the halacha (final decision) is
like the many.
[2] A dispute in one mishna followed by an anonymous
statement [representing one of the views] in another
mishna means that the halacha is in accordance with the
latter. [This applies only within one tractate].

73
 Introduction to the Talmud

[3] An anonymous mishna followed by a mishna

containing a dispute on the same point means that the
halacha is not like the anonymous mishna. [This also
applies only within one tractate. ]
[4] If there is a dispute in a beraitha and an anonymous
statement in a mishna [following one view], the halacha is
like the latter.
[5] If there is a dispute in a mishna and an anonymous
statement in a beraitha, we do not say the halacha is like
the beraitha, because we say “If Rabbi [Judah the Prince]
did not teach it, how could Rabbi Hiyya [the editor of the
Beraitha] know it?”

7. Further rules relating to Mishna and Beraitha:

[1] An anonymous mishna is according to Rabbi Meir.
[2] An anonymous statement in the Tosefta is
according to Rabbi Nehemia.
[3] An anonymous statement in Sifra is like Rabbi
Yehuda;
[4] and in Sifre, like Rabbi Shimon; and all of them are
in general agreement with Rabbi Akiva, whose disciples
they were.
[5] Where Rabbi Meir is named in a source, and his
decision is disputed, either by Rabbi Yehuda, Rabbi Yose,
Rabbi Shimon or Rabbi Eliezer ben Yaakov, the halacha is
like his opponent.
[6] Rabbi Yehuda against Rabbi Shimon: the halacha
is.like Rabbi Yehuda.
[7] [The halacha is always like Rabbi Yose, even
against more than one (named) Tanna. |]
[8] The Mishna of Rabbi Eliezer ben Yaakoy is “small
but pure” [i.e., he is not mentioned often, but when he is
the halacha is always like him].
[9] “Some say” (o-9ix vw?) means Rabbi Nathan.
[10] “Others say” (ox o°-1nX ) means Rabbi Meir.
[11] Wherever Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel appears in
our Mishna the halacha is like him, except in three
(named) cases... .

74
Rabbi Samuel Ha-Nagid

[12] The halacha is always like Rabbi [Judah the

Prince] where he disputes with one other sage. . . .
[13] However, wherever Rabbi [Judah the Prince]
disputes with his father [Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel] the
halacha is like his father.
[14] Wherever a mishna is cited in the name of Rabbi
Shimon ben Elazar and there is no dispute mentioned, the
halacha is like him.
[15] Rabbi Eliezer against Rabban Gamliel: the
halacha is like Rabban Gamliel. .. .
[16] [The halacha is always like Rabbi Akiva when in
dispute with one other sage.]
[17] Beth Shammai against Beth Hillel — the halacha
is like Beth Hillel, except in six cases, where the Sages said
the decision is like neither of them, and three cases where
the halacha is like Beth Shammai.
[18] Whenever a Tanna qualifies his remarks by stating
“in which case does this apply” o-3X 0727793 or
“When does this apply? In such-and-such circum-
stances”, the halacha is like him. Similarly, a mishna
introduced by the words “In truth they said” 17x npKX2
represents the undisputed halacha.
[19] We do not learn the halacha from a mishna alone,
but only from the decision given in the Talmud.

8. These are the rules relating to disputes between

Amoraim (the sages of the Talmud):
[1] Rav against Shmuel — the halacha is like Rav in
prohibitions and like Shmuel in civil laws. [Rav is Rav
Abba Aricha (thé Tall), 3rd C. The title ‘Rav’ is given to
Amoraim of Babylon. Amoraim of Eretz Yisrael, like
Tannaim, are all called ‘Rabbi’.]
[2] Rav Hisda against Rav Huna: the halacha is like
Rav Huna.
[3] Rav Sheshet against Rav Nahman — the halacha is
like Rav Sheshet in prohibitions and like Rav Nahman in
civil laws.

75
 Introduction to the Talmud

[4] The halacha is never like the disciple when in

dispute with his teacher.
[5] If a later sage is in dispute with an earlier sage, the
halacha is like the later sage. [Since both are within one
era — the era of the Amoraim — and therefore of equal
status, the opinion of the later one prevails, since he has
had the opportunity of considering all the developments of
the argument that have taken place in the interim
period. |
[6] Rav Yehuda against Rabbah: the halacha is like
Rav Yehuda.
[7] Rabbah against Rav Yosef: the halacha is like
Rabbah, except in three (named) cases.
[8] Rav Aha against Ravina: the halacha is like Ravina,
except in three (named) cases.
[9] The compilers of the Talmud were Rav Ashi and
Ravina and their colleagues [5th C.]; and in their time the
Talmud was completed.
[10] The halacha is like Mar the son of Rav Ashi except
where he is in dispute with his teacher... .
[11] Wherever the Gemara says, ‘‘So-and-so is refuted”
[see 5 [8], above] the halacha is not like that sage.
[However, where the Gemara concludes merely with the
word kashya (‘this is difficult”) this indicates that the
difficulty is merely textual and can be resolved.]
[12] Any dispute which is merely theoretical and has no
practical relevance does not have the words “‘the halacha
is like so-and-so” applied to it.

76
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in the time of the Mishna:

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= 1 sela‘ (Bava Metzia 76a).
A loaf of bread cost: 1 pundion = 1/48 of a sela‘ (Eruvin 8,2).
A cheap loaf: 1 issar = 1/96 of a sela‘ (Ib. 7,10).
1 issar could also buy a flask of oil (B.M. 5,9).
1 perutah (1/8 of an issar) could buy: lamps and wicks
(Meila 6,3). or: 1 citron (Jb. 6,4).
or: 1 pomegranate (/b.).
1 cloak or shirt could cost 3 selaim (Ib.).
A good quality cloak could cost double that —1 golden
dinar (Ib.).
A dwelling could be rented for 1 sela per month
or ten selaim per year (B.M. 5,2).
The rent of a bath-house (as a commercial undertaking)
could amount to 1 golden dinar per month (B.M. 8,8).
A pair of oxen (for plowing) could cost 200 zuz (50 sela‘im)
(Bava Batra 5, 1)
A house or a field could cost 1,000 zuz (250 sela‘im)
(B.M. 48a)

83
 APPENDIX 3

ON TON] ONIN WTO

THE SEQUENCE OF TANNAIM AND AMORAIM

Two historical charts are appended. Chart 1 shows

the main Tannaim during the period from Hillel to
Rabbi Yehuda Ha-Nassi. (For the Tannaim before Hil-
lel, see Pirkei Avot, ch.1.) Chart 2 shows the main
Amoraim both in Eretz Yisrael and Babylon. (To pro-
vide continuity the bottom lines of Chart 1 have been
repeated in the main at the top of Chart 2.)
The scale at the right of the charts shows the Jew-
ish date and the corresponding Common Era date. It
should be noted that the space allotted to different
centuries is not always uniform. Personalities are
placed on the charts in the position corresponding
roughly with the assumed period of their main ac-
tivity. Rabbi — Talmid and family relationships are
shown and those who functioned as Nassi (President
of the Sanhedrin, or Patriarch) are indicated by a sym-
bol. All symbols are explained at the foot of Chart 2.
Where the name of a sage’s father appears in smaller
type under the sage’s name, this indicates that the
sage is usually referred to by his own name alone.
The place-names in brackets under some names refer
to the place of main activity.
The alphabetical index of names which follows
enables the student to locate any name on the two
charts. The name required will be found either on the
date-line indicated or immediately below it. (Ease of
reference has been the criterion in selecting the date-
lines in the two columns in the index. and the Jewish
and civil dates shown there do not always correspond
precisely.)

84
vino? yma? DPA own
Ge: A.M. Place Chart

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340 4100 baa xa
310 4070 baa 727
250 4010 oR 73n.92.972.725
300 4060 oR pan
410 4170 baa (NYON DI=) (XN) NPI
440 4200 baa (2) 89
340 4000 baa xam
260 4020 oR wp? wr7
340 4100 baa xpOn 72°77
380 4140 bn9 "WR ID 7DW 2
240 4000 ba NHB
HEN
NHENNNNKE
BE
BENE
KP
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BEND Driow

87
 yoy yrna eh ize) own
CE. A.M. Place Chart

—10 3750 (&) PYOW 737

50 3810 (a) pynw 729
150 3950 TIVORN Ja yaw 7
140 3900 Seba Ja pnw 727
200 3960 pIEuP ya yaw 9
160 3920 NAY 12 NAW
260 4020 IIR wp ja pyaw
190 3950 N°DID JI YAW 7
290 4050 La x
7D JA pyaw 1
310 4070 baa RK
DN
NRK
NO
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RR nw 27

88
89
90
91
NOTES

92
 ,
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sl ota
A foremost disciple of the renowned Rabbi Eliyahu Eliezer
Dessler (of blessed memory) and a lifelong student of the Torah,
Rabbi Aryeh Carmell is in every sense of the term a talmid
chacham. Over the years he has devoted himself to the practical
furtherance of Torah-education and the observance of mitzvot in
the community — first in England and now in Eretz Israel. A
gifted writer, he has co-edited Michtav meEliyahu, the four-
volume posthumous edition of Rabbi Dessler’s writings; and the
Maharal of Prague’s Commentary on the Aggadot (both in
Hebrew). More recently he has been the co-author of Kav
v°’Naki, a concise Hebrew commentary on Massechet She®vi'it of
the Jerusalem Talmud. In addition, he has produced two
volumes (thus far) titled Strive for Truth, out of Rabbi Dessler’s
writings superbly rendered into English. With an academic
background in science, Rabbi Carmell is a founder-member of
the Association of Orthodox Jewish Scientists in Great Britain;
and is co-editor of Challenge: Torah views on Science and its
problems. Today he serves as Vice-Principal, as well as Lecturer
in Talmud and Ethics, at the Jerualem Academy of Jewish
Studies (Yeshivat Dvar Yerushalayaim).
This booklet, in its present fifth edition, includes the sections of
the previous editions, carefully revised: Gemara key words and
phrases, in vocalized Aramaic with English translation;
commonly used abbreviations explained and translated into
English; a concise survey of Aramaic (Talmudic) grammar, and
chronological charts of Tannaim and Amoraim. Retaining from
the fourth edition the first English translation of Rabbi Samuel
HaNagid's Introduction to the Talmud, and tables of Talmudic
weights and measures, the present fifth edition gives as well
chronological charts of the Talmudic Sages, and a map of the
Torah centres in the times of the Mishna and Talmud.

This booklet is thus an invaluable aid to anyone embarking on

or progressing in the study of the Talmud.

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Torah Literature of Quality ISBN O=A7sS0t LSz
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