pirke

Pirke, also known as *pirqe* (Hebrew: פירקאות, singular *pirqa*), are individual chapters or sections within the Mishnah, the foundational text of Jewish oral law. The Mishnah is the earliest compilation of Rabbinic Judaism, dating back to the 2nd century CE, and serves as the core of the Talmud alongside the Gemara. Pirqe are organized into six main orders (*sedarim*), each focusing on a different aspect of Jewish law and tradition.

The Mishnah is divided into 39 tractates, each containing multiple pirqe. Each pirqa typically addresses a specific topic, such as agricultural laws, ritual purity, or ethical conduct, and is structured in a concise, question-and-answer format. The text is written in Hebrew and Aramaic, reflecting the language of the ancient rabbinic academies. Pirqe are often cited in later Talmudic discussions, where rabbinic scholars (amoraim) elaborate on their meanings through analysis and debate.

The study of pirqe is central to traditional Jewish education, particularly in yeshivot (Jewish academies). They provide foundational legal principles that shape Jewish practice, ethics, and philosophy. For example, the tractate *Avot* (Pirqe Avot) contains ethical teachings attributed to early sages, while *Bikkurim* discusses agricultural offerings. The systematic arrangement of pirqe allows scholars to explore interconnected themes across different areas of Jewish law.

While the Mishnah itself is not considered divine revelation, its authority is deeply respected in rabbinic Judaism. Pirqe serve as a bridge between biblical law and its practical application, influencing later legal codes and customs. The study of the Mishnah, including its pirqe, remains a cornerstone of Jewish scholarship and religious practice.