Traditional Jews believe that God gave Moses the written law and the oral law on Mount Sinai, which includes interpretations, explanations, and principles for future generations. The oral law develops through the generations, with new rulings and applications, and is eventually put in writing, beginning with the Mishnah around 200-220 AD. The Talmud is a collection of halakhic and haggadic writings that form the basis of Jewish law and tradition, and is considered a fundamental part of Jewish heritage. [... more]