Mishnah

“The good-hearted are always feasting" (Mishlei 15:15) - this refers to the masters of Mishnah. —Sanhedrin 100b.

Welcome to Mishnah

The Written Torah given to the Jewish people by G-d through Moses was accompanied by an Oral Torah. The Oral Torah was an explanation of the often-subtle language of the written text, which was supposed to be transmitted orally from generation to generation and not written.

While oral transmission worked for a while, the exiles and tribulations of the Jewish people compelled Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi to put down this oral tradition on paper, which he did in the 2nd century, just after the destruction of the second Temple.

This he called “Mishnah” (lit., 'review,' or 'secondary').

The Mishnah is compiled into 63 tractates (Mesechtos), which make up the six orders (Sedarim). The Mishnah was edited into topics, where each tractate discusses another area of Jewish law. 

Make the most of your Mishnayos Study

Because the Mishnah is a foundational work, it has become a standard subject of learning throughout the ages. People gathered to study Mishnayos, forming groups called Chevrei Mishnayos, or societies of Mishnayos. Now, you can become a member!

Many people endeavor to commit as much Mishnayos as possible to memory.

Reasons and benefits

Rabbi Huna said: "The ingathering of the exile will be in the merit of (the study of) Mishnayos." —Midrash Rabbah, Vayikra 7:3

[The study of Mishnayos becomes] a ladder for the soul, through which it ascends to its original source. Proof is in the text: The letters of the word MiSHNaH make up the word NeSHaMaH. —Shaloh, tractate Shavuos, p. 49b

The first word of the Torah, Bereshis, can be broken up to read, Bara Shis, meaning, created six: the six millennials and the six orders of Mishnah. The world was created for the study of the Mishnah. —Pa’aneach Raza, Bereishis 1:1

The Mishnah or two recited from memory wherever one may be, in whatever sort of place he may be, will illuminate the bond between Israel and G-d. The letters MiSHNaH are the same as NeSHaMaH (soul). It is extremely difficult to find the words to express the tremendous benefit, with G-d’s help, in the general and individual protection that constant repetition of Mishnah will bring. And there are no words to describe the tremendous gratification one thereby gives the Creator, may He be blessed. —Previous Rebbe, Hayom Yom, Sivan 9

Mishnayos in Your Chayenu

• The Hebrew and English are interpolated, phrase by phrase.
• Additional explanation for the flow of the text.
• Commentary for additional understanding and depth.
• We also include the Mishnah in only Hebrew, for reviewing.