Torah in the Mouth: Writing and Oral Tradition in Palestinian Judaism 200 Bce-400 Ce by Martin S. Jaffee

The classical Rabbinic tradition (legal, discursive, and exegetical) claims to be Oral Torah, transmitted by word of mouth in an unbroken chain deriving its authority ultimately from diving revelation to Moses at Sinai. Since the third century C.E., however, this tradition has been embodied in written texts. Through judicious deployment and analysis of the evidence, Martin Jaffee is able to show that the Rabbinic tradition, as we have it, developed through a mutual interpretation of oral and written modes.

Hardcover, NEW, shelf wear to bottom of book, dust jacket has dents and a small tear at top

Published by Oxford University Press, USA, 1st Edition 2001