Gemaria

Gemaria, also known as Gmarah or Gemara, is a central component of the Talmud, a foundational work of Rabbinic Judaism. It is the expanded and annotated commentary on the Mishnah, the first compilation of Jewish oral law. The Gemara records the discussions of rabbis from the land of Israel and Babylonia, engaging in detailed analysis, debate, and exposition of the Mishnah's legal and ethical teachings. It delves into various aspects of Jewish life, including civil law, criminal law, Sabbath observance, dietary laws, and religious rituals.

The development of the Gemara spanned several centuries, with the Jerusalem Talmud (Yerushalmi) being compiled earlier and the Babylonian Talmud (Bavli) later. The Bavli is generally considered more comprehensive and authoritative by most Jewish traditions. The Gemara is characterized by its dialectical method, presenting opposing viewpoints and seeking to reconcile them. It also incorporates aggadic material, which includes legends, parables, ethical teachings, and biblical exegesis, providing a broader context for the legal discussions. Study of the Gemara has been a cornerstone of Jewish scholarship and religious practice for centuries, shaping Jewish law and thought.