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Which topics are covered by the six orders of the Mishna?
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The Mishna is organized into six major orders (sedarim), which collectively contain 63 tractates covering various aspects of Jewish law and life:12
- Zera'im ("Seeds"): Focuses on daily prayer and agricultural laws, including regulations for the sabbatical year, plant hybridization, and the distribution of harvests to the poor, Levites, and priests.12
- Mo'ed ("Festival"): Covers ceremonies, rituals, and prohibitions related to the Sabbath, religious festivals, and fast days.123
- Nashim ("Women"): Deals with laws of married life, including betrothal, marriage contracts, divorce, and specific vows that impact marital relations.142
- Neziqin ("Damages"): Addresses civil and criminal law, such as theft, damages, labor relations, inheritance, and court jurisdiction. It also includes The Ethics of the Fathers, which provides moral guidance.125
- Qodashim ("Holy Things"): Details the Temple of Jerusalem complex and regulates sacrifices, offerings, and donations.12
- Tohorot ("Purifications"): Considers laws regarding ritual purity for persons, vessels, dwellings, and foods, as well as purification rituals.12