Synopsis of Subjects
CHAPTER I.
MISHNA 1. The law concerning the Holocaust, and who are exempt from it, What
is the law in the case of one who is half a bondman and hall free? Johanan
b. Broka and R. Elazar b. Hasma have related to their master the wonderful
lecture of R. Joshua, and what he rejoined. What is called a fool? The
law about the lame, blind, and sick. An entire series of passages from
Scripture which the different rabbis wept over when they met them in
their studies, and the reason of it. What is meant by "evils and troubles,"
written in Deut. xxxi. 21? What will become of us with the Minim? For
three things the Holy One, blessed be He, weeps every day. What happened
to Rabbi and R. Hyya while on the road with the blind scholar, and his
beautiful blessings. The law as to minority, and at what age a child
is exempt from this condition,
MISHNAS II. to V. The law regarding the offerings which may or may not be brought
from the money of the second-tithe. Peace-offerings and burnt-offerings
of the pilgrims are divided according to their circumstances. The different
opinions of the rabbis regarding the passage: "What is crooked cannot
be made straight." The explanation of Elijah to Ben Hei Hei regarding
the passage cf. Is. xlviii. 10. About a scholar who has separated himself
from the Law. The laws about the dissolving of vows hang in the air,
and which laws are suspended by a hair, and which of them are the essential
parts of the Law,
CHAPTER II.
MISHNA 1. Concerning the discussion of illegal unions, the creation,
and the divine chariot. By ten things the world was created: by wisdom,
by knowledge, etc. Which was first created, the earth or the heavens?
What is meant by the term "heavens"? Woe to the creatures which see
and know not what they see, which stand and know not upon what they
stand. The names of the seven heavens, and what is contained therein.
What answer did the heavenly voice
make to that wicked man when he said: "I will ascend above the heights
of the clouds," etc.? To whom the secrets of the Law may be imparted.
The king among living creatures is a lion, among domestic beasts an
ox, among birds an eagle, after which comes man, but the Lord takes
His place proudly above them all. The thousands of troops who minister
unto him. The stream of fire which is issued . . . comes from before
him. Where it comes from. About the nine hundred and seventy-four generations
which were held back from being created. What are the eighteen curses
of Isaiah. Even at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem there did
not cease from them faithful men. About the four who entered in the
heavenly garden (Pardes), The legends of A'her concerning R.
Meir his disciple when he was alive and after his death, and also what
R. Johanan said and did. About what Rabba bar Shila questioned Elijah,
and his answer. What R. Jehudah questioned Samuel about the world to
come, and what the latter rejoined. Nimus of Gardi and R. Meir (see
note). The six things regarding the demons. Every one who gazes upon
three things, his eyes grow weak,
MISHNAS II. to IV. The difference of opinions concerning the princes and the
chiefs of courts. About the law of laying the hand on the offers on
a festival, Which is the feast in which thou makest proclamation and
reapest? About the garments of a common person which are defiled by
pressure for Pharisees,
CHAPTER III.
MISHNAS I. to IX All of them treat about the details of the rigorous
rules of heave-offerings, and vice versa, The conditions in Judah
and in Galilee as to which of the inhabitants are trusted and which
are not. About the salamander and the fire of Gehenna, and that the
fire of Gehenna will not affect the sinners of Israel, who are full
of merit as a pomegranate is full of seed,
Sources: Biblical
Texts |