Minor Tractates

Companion volume to Pirkei Avot with maxims of wisdom alongside explanations and stories

Version preserved in manuscript until published in 1887 by Solomon Schechter

Slaves and indentured servants; their sale, acquisition, working conditions, and liberation process.

Ethics and morals, proper etiquette and conduct in daily life.

Characteristics of a scholar, teachings about the messianic age, and a chapter extolling peace.

Converts to Judaism, the conversion process, and non-Jewish residents of Israel who observe the seven laws of Noah.

Marriage, intercourse, and proper sexual behavior.

Aramaic elaboration on parts of tractates Kallah, Derekh Eretz Rabbah, and Derekh Eretz Zuta.

The religious status of Samaritans, permitted and prohibited interactions with them.

Writing the mezuzah, a scroll of parchment containing the Shema, and hanging it on the doorpost.

Writing and treatment of a Torah scroll; almost identical to the beginning of Tractate Soferim.

Laws and customs relating to death: the moment of death, burial, mourning, and cemetery conduct.

Writing Torah scrolls and other holy books, the public reading of biblical texts.

Preparing and wearing Tefillin, leather boxes containing biblical passages written on parchment.

Fringes tied to garments with four corners.

Explore interconnections among texts with our interactive visualizations.

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