Savoraim
Rabbinical eras |
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Savora (Hebrew:
Role in the formation of the Talmud
Much of classical rabbinic literature generally holds that the Babylonian Talmud was redacted into more or less its final form around 550 CE.[1] The Talmud states that Ravina and Rav Ashi (two amoraim) were the "end of instruction",[2] which many understand to mean they compiled the Babylonian Talmud.[3] Maimonides wrote that Ravina and Rav Ashi were the last generation of sages in the Talmud, and that it was Rav Ashi who composed the Babylonian Talmud.[4]
However, some statements within classical rabbinic literature, and later analysis thereof, have led many scholars to conclude that the Babylonian Talmud was smoothed over by the Savora'im, although almost nothing was changed.[5] There are statements in the Talmud itself referring to generations later than Ravina and Rav Ashi.[3] Occasionally, multiple versions of the same legalistic discussion are included with minor variations. The text also states that various opinions emanated from various Talmudic academies.[6]
See also
References
- ISBN 0-8337-2602-1
- ^ Bava Metzia 86a
- ^ a b c R' Meir Triebitz, History & Development of Talmud 1
- ^ Maimonides, Introduction to Mishneh Torah
- ^ Modern Scholarship in the Study of Torah: Contributions and Limitations Shalom Carmy, Ed. The Orthodox Forum Series, Jason Aronson, Inc.
- ^ a b c Berkovits E., "Savora'im". In: Encyclopedia Judaica (first edition) Keter Publishing, 1972
- ISBN 0-19-511571-6