Baraita

/bɑˈraɪtə/ noun

Definition

A Jewish oral tradition or teaching that did not make it into the Mishnah but was compiled later, used in Talmudic commentary and interpretation.

Etymology

From Aramaic baraita 'external' or 'outside'—referring to teachings outside the Mishnah. Used in English religious scholarship since the 19th century.

Kelly Says

Baraitot (plural) are like lost Mishnaic footage—they're teachings the early rabbis considered important enough to preserve but not important enough to include in the core Mishnah, making them fascinating windows into rabbinic debate.

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