Talmud (study) consists of the Mishnah (original text or law) and gemara, completion of the text. We emphasize the term Talmud (study) because it indicates that Mishnah and Gemara are part of a larger process of expansion of meaning that is fostered by sacred argument. In this selection, Mordecai Kaplan provides the original Mishnah and Elizheva, Adina, and Joanne in response (contributor bios). Our readers are invited to serve as tosafists, commentators suggesting other points of view.