A List of Tannaim from the Rambam's Peirush Mishnah
Rabbi Moses Maimonides (Rambam), in his Peirush Mishnah (Commentary on the Mishnah), doesn't provide a single, comprehensive list of Tannaim. Instead, he mentions Tannaim throughout his commentary whenever their opinions or teachings are relevant to the Mishnah he's explaining. Therefore, compiling a complete list from his work would be an extensive undertaking, requiring a thorough examination of his entire commentary.
However, we can identify some prominent Tannaim frequently cited by the Rambam in his Peirush Mishnah:
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Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi (Rabbi Yehudah): As the redactor of the Mishnah, Rabbi Yehudah is naturally mentioned extensively. The Rambam often clarifies Rabbi Yehudah's rulings and explains his choices in compiling the Mishnah.
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Rabbi Meir: A prolific Tanna, Rabbi Meir's opinions and halakhic positions are frequently discussed by the Rambam, often contrasting them with those of other Tannaim.
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Rabbi Eliezer: Known for his sometimes differing opinions, Rabbi Eliezer's views are often contrasted with the majority opinion and discussed in the context of halakhic disputes.
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Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai: Another significant Tanna whose teachings are frequently referenced by the Rambam, especially regarding mystical and esoteric interpretations.
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Rabbi Akiva: A leading figure amongst the Tannaim, Rabbi Akiva's opinions are often cited and analyzed by the Rambam.
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Rabbi Yose: Frequently mentioned in conjunction with other Tannaim, Rabbi Yose's legal opinions and interpretations are part of the Rambam's discussions.
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Rabbi Ishmael: Known for his halakhic principles and methods of interpreting the Torah, Rabbi Ishmael is discussed by the Rambam in contexts related to hermeneutics and legal reasoning.
It's crucial to understand: This is not an exhaustive list. Many other Tannaim are mentioned throughout the Rambam's Peirush Mishnah, each appearing in the context of specific Mishnah passages and legal discussions. To create a truly comprehensive list, one would need to carefully study the entire commentary.
Frequently Asked Questions (Based on potential search queries):
Where can I find the Rambam's Peirush Mishnah?
Numerous editions and translations of the Rambam's Peirush Mishnah are available. You can find them in various Jewish libraries, online databases (some requiring subscriptions), and through booksellers specializing in Jewish texts. Searching online for "Rambam Peirush Mishnah" will yield numerous results.
How many Tannaim are there in total?
There's no universally agreed-upon precise number of Tannaim. The period of the Tannaim spans several generations, and the exact number depends on the criteria used for inclusion. Hundreds of individuals contributed to the development of oral law during this time.
What is the significance of the Rambam's commentary on the Mishnah?
The Rambam's Peirush Mishnah is considered a monumental work of Jewish scholarship. It not only clarifies the meaning of the Mishnah but also provides insightful legal interpretations, often resolving apparent contradictions and ambiguities. It remains a crucial text for understanding the halakha and the development of Jewish law.
This response aims to provide a useful overview while acknowledging the limitations of providing a comprehensive list without a complete analysis of the Rambam's extensive commentary. Further research using the resources mentioned above is recommended for a more detailed understanding.
