Hello everyone,
Some interesting information in this thread. With all due respect however, I have to disagree with some comments in regards to the origins of the тαℓмυd. While it is true that the тαℓмυd wasn't put into written form until around 500 AD, (in order to preserve these traditions in the post-temple era) the traditions contained therein had been passed down orally for many centuries.
The gnat straining legalisms of the 'Babylonian' тαℓмυd as well as the kabbalah do indeed trace their origins to the Babylonian exile.
The modern day Judaic faith has many pagan elements from Egyptian, Canaanite, Assyrian and Eastern mysticism. It even has many elements of humanism. However, the Babylonian influence resulting from the exile is most predominate in modern rabbinic judaism.............hence the name "Babylonian тαℓмυd"....................
"When we come to the Babylonian Gemara, we are dealing with what most people understand when they speak or write of the тαℓмυd. Its birthplace, Babylonia, was an autonomous Jєωιѕн centre for a longer period than any other land; namely, from soon after 586 before the Christian era to the year 1040 after the Christian era - 1626 years." (Rabbi Hertz, English Edition of the Babylonian тαℓмυd, the Soncino тαℓмυd (1935), p. XXI, Rabbi Hertz).
"The return from Babylon and the introduction of the Babylonian тαℓмυd mark the end of Hebrewism and the beginning of Judaism."( Rabbi Stephen F. Wise, former Chief Rabbi of the United States).
Yours truly in lifting the тαℓмυdic veil of deception,
luki