As my sophomore classes begin their study of Chaim Potok's The Chosen, a rudimentary understanding of Judaism and its texts encourages the students to become involved in the story. An integral part of the main characters' studies, the Talmud is a compilation of commentaries by revered rabbis about the Torah (Five Books of Moses). This oral law, written for posterity, consists of two major sections - the Mishnah (Hebrew origin for instruction) and the Gemara (Aramaic origin for completion). The Mishnah rabbis commented and reflected directly upon the laws in the Torah. The Gemara rabbis, several centuries later, commented both on the laws of Torah and on the ideas of the Mishnah rabbis.

For students to understand this structure and the possibilities for discussion on aged laws, I adapted an activity from one of my mentors. Initially designed to contain laws from the Torah for religious school use, this American Talmud utilizes amendments to our constitution, specifically the Bill of Rights. In the middle of the linked pages within an outlined box is the amendment as written. On the left side is the commentary by our Mishnah scholars. Students answered the questions:

1. What does the law mean?
2. What is the purpose of the law? (Why do we have a law?)
3. How would you explain it to someone younger than you.

1. What does this law mean to you?
2. Explain what the Mishnah rabbis said.
3. Give an example of how you could use the law today.

Disclaimer: This Talmud is used for secular, educational purposes, for those not familiar with the culture or the text to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Judaism. In no way is it a religious document or meant to insultingly reflect the actual Talmud.

• Amendment I

• Amendment II

• Amendment III

• Amendment IV

• Amendment V

• Amendment VI

• Amendment VII

• Amendment VIII

• Amendment IX

• Amendment X