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How is the Mishna organized into orders, tractates, and chapters?
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The Mishna is systematically organized into a hierarchical structure consisting of six major orders, known as sedarim, which are further divided into 63 tractates (massekhtot) and subsequently into chapters (peraqim).12
The six orders are categorized as follows:
- Zeraʿim ("Seeds"): Comprises 11 tractates focusing on daily prayer and agricultural laws in Palestine.12
- Moʿed ("Festival"): Contains 12 tractates regarding rituals, ceremonies, and prohibitions for the Sabbath, holidays, and fast days.12
- Nashim ("Women"): Consists of seven tractates covering laws of marriage, divorce, and betrothal.12
- Neziqin ("Damages"): Includes 10 tractates addressing civil and criminal law, court jurisdiction, and moral conduct, such as in The Ethics of the Fathers.12
- Qodashim ("Holy Things"): Features 11 tractates detailing the Temple of Jerusalem and regulations for sacrifices and offerings.12
- Ṭohorot ("Purifications"): Comprises 12 tractates concerning laws of ritual purity for persons, objects, and food.12