Guide
The Tosefta
2nd–6th Centuries
By Carol Bakhos
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
Tosefta Kippurim
Why did he turn aside and weep? Because it was necessary to impose an oath on him. And why did they turn aside and weep? Because they had to impose an oath on him.
And why was…
Primary Source
Tosefta Ketubbot
They force [a spouse] to move from a town that has a gentile majority to a town that has a Jewish majority, but they do not force [a spouse] to move from a town that has a Jewish majority to a town…
Primary Source
Tosefta Bava Kamma
16. He who frightens his fellow to death is exempt under human law but liable under heavenly law.
If he shouted in his ear and deafened him, he is exempt.
I…
Primary Source
Tosefta Shevu‘ot
3. R. Simeon used to say: Rendering the sanctuary and its holy things impure is more serious than all other transgressions listed in the Torah.
All other transgressions listed in…
Primary Source
Tosefta Avodah Zarah
3. One should dwell in the land of Israel, even in a town in which the majority of the inhabitants are gentiles, rather than dwell outside the land [of Israel], even in a town in which all the…
Primary Source
Tosefta Menaḥot
6. Torah regards intention as stronger than action in cases of sacrifice and action as stronger than intention in cases of sacrifice. How is intention stronger than action in cases of sacrifice? One…