The word "Mishna" is spelled with the English letters M-I-S-H-N-A, but its pronunciation can be a bit tricky. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈmɪʃnə/, with the stressed syllable on the second "i". The "sh" sound is pronounced as a voiceless postalveolar fricative, similar to the "sh" in "shoe". The final "a" is pronounced as a schwa, which is an unstressed and neutral vowel sound. The Mishna is a compilation of Jewish laws and traditions, written in Hebrew and Aramaic.
The Mishna, dating back to the 3rd century CE, is a significant compilation of Jewish laws and teachings originally passed down orally from the time of Moses. It is considered the first authoritative written record of the Oral Law or Oral Torah, which complements the Written Torah (the Five Books of Moses). The Mishna contains a concise and structured compilation of teachings and interpretations by renowned ancient Jewish sages known as Tannaim, focusing primarily on matters of religious, moral, and civil law.
The Mishna is divided into six major sections or orders, each containing multiple tractates, which are further subdivided into chapters and paragraphs. Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding and applying Jewish law and to serve as a guide for religious and ethical conduct. The Mishna explores various topics, including rituals, festivals, sacrifices, marriage and divorce, financial matters, and criminal justice.
Written in Mishnaic Hebrew, this foundational Jewish text has remained highly influential for over a millennium. It forms the basis for further discussions and elaborations in later legal compilations, such as the Talmud. The Mishna's concise and cryptic language often requires extensive study and interpretation by scholars to fully comprehend its teachings, contributing to its ongoing relevance and exploration in contemporary Jewish studies.
Various traditions of the Jews and interpretations of passages of Scripture, collected and reduced to writing, forming the text of the Talmud.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Mishna" derives from the Hebrew word מִשְׁנָה (mishna), which means "repetition" or "study". It is derived from the Hebrew root שנה (sh-n-h), which means "to repeat" or "to teach". The Mishna is a compilation of Jewish oral law from the 2nd century CE, which was traditionally passed down orally from generation to generation. The term Mishna came to represent this authoritative collection of teachings.