HALACHA, ha-lafka (Heb., rule of proce dure, from halak, to go). The general term for the Jewish oral law, which runs parallel with the written law contained in the Bible, and is sup posed to be, like this, of divine origin. Its rela tion to the ordinances contained in the Penta teuch is that of an amplified code to the funda mental religious and civil maxims. The theory being that the oral law was handed down through a long chain of highest authorities (Sinaitic revelation, Moses, Joshua, elders, Great Syna gogue [Ezra], etc.), it could only be treated and further developed by the foremost men of each generation, who through their eminence in learn ing belonged to a kind of aristocracy of mind (hakamim, wise men), towering above the multi tude. (hediotinz, laymen). Their decision on all ordinances involved in contradictory traditions was final, because it was believed to spring from a deeper apprehension of Scripture. An elab orate system of interpretation of the biblical texts was devised, which, frequently sacrificing the spirit to the letter, attached great weight to certain special letters, words, and even signs in the Old Testament, which, seemingly super fluous where they stood, were supposed to point to the injunction under discussion. Halacha em braces the whole field of juridieo-political, reli gious, and practical life, down to its most minute and insignificant details. Originally, as already
said, the oral law par excellence, it began to be written down when, as was natural, various opin ions and traditions arose as to the correct prac tice and the danger of sectarianism was immi nent. The first collection of laws was instituted by Hillel, Akiba, and Simon ben Gamsliel; but the final redaction of the general code, the Mishna (q.v.), is due to Jedudah Hanassi, about A.D. 220. Later editions to this code are the Baraithas and Tosephtas. Of an earlier date with respect to their contents, but committed to writ ing in later times, are the three Haggadic books (Midrashim) Siphra or Torath Kohanim (a Haggadic amplification of Leviticus), Siphre (of Numbers and Deuteronomy), and Mechiltha (of a portion of Exodus). The rabbis of the Mishnaic period are called the Tanaim. These were fol lowed by the Amoraim, who, by discussing and further amplifying the Mishna, became the au thors of the Gemara. (q.v.). The Halacha was further developed in subsequent centuries by the Saboraim, Geonim, and the authorities of each generation. See HAGGADA ; MIDRASH ; TALMUD.