The Evolution and Age of the Mishnah

Understanding when the Mishnah was started is a complex and nuanced question. The Mishnah is a foundational text in Jewish law, detailing the Oral Law that complemented the written Torah. However, tracing its origins and determining its exact age presents a logistical challenge due to its intricate historical context.

Historical Context and Beginnings

The question of when the Mishnah was started can be answered through several distinct beginnings. Just as Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Julius Caesar could have various starting points depending on one's perspective, the Mishnah similarly has multiple significant milestones:

1. The Traditionally Accepted Date

According to traditional Rabbinic sources, the Oral Law, as captured in the Mishnah, was given to Moses during the Sinaitic Revelation in 1313 BCE. This marks the beginning of an oral tradition that has been preserved for thousands of years.

2. The Men of the Great Assembly (Anshe Knesset HaGedolah)

The Anshe Knesset HaGedolah, or Men of the Great Assembly, were a group of sages who standardized the Hebrew alphabet, script, and language around 516-332 BCE. Though not named explicitly in the Mishnah, their rulings and guidelines are often referenced in the text.

3. Early Authorities and Discussions

The earliest authorities quoted in the Mishnah are named and their teachings discussed. For example, Simeon the Just, whose dates and identity are debated, lived between 310-199 BCE, and Antigonus of Sokho, who likely lived around 300 BCE, laid foundational teachings.

4. The Period of Rabbi Hillel the Elder

Rabbi Hillel the Elder (c. 110 BCE - 10 CE) organized the Oral Law into six or seven Sedarim, providing a structural framework for the Mishnah. This was a significant step in the process of compiling the text.

5. The Tannaim and Rabbi Meir

The Tannaim, or teachers of the Mishnah, were active from approximately 10 - 220 CE. Among them, Rabbi Meir (c. 139 - 163 CE) was notably active and wrote the bulk of the Mishnah. He is referred to as Tanna Kama, meaning the top authority, and provided many of the statements attributed to the Mishnah.

6. Rabbi Judah the Prince and Finalization

Rabbi Judah the Prince (c. 135 - 219 CE) completed the Mishnah by assigning specific teachings to the Sedarim and possibly subdividing them into Masechtoth. He published the Mishnah as a single written work around 200 CE. This marked the end of the codification process and the beginning of the study of the Mishnah in the context of the Gemara.

Conclusion

The Mishnah, as we know it today, was shaped through these various stages, spanning approximately fifteen centuries. While its exact beginnings are debated, the most plausible timeframe for the Mishnah is between the period of the Tannaim and the time of Rabbi Meir, which is about a century and a half.

Given the intricate and evolved nature of the Mishnah, it is reasonable to view it as a work in progress that reflects the evolving understanding and interpretation of Jewish law over generations. The Mishnah's significance as a living classical text underscores its enduring relevance in modern Jewish life and scholarship.