Wisdom of the Talmud

This should seem an unusual title for a Karaite post. And it is. Although many arguments brought here are somewhat critical of Talmud and its legislations, that is a polemic and Sadducean perspective. However, there is much praise for the Talmud and its commentaries.

The Talmud is the embodiment of the the Mishna and its later commentators, the Amoraim, from the the 'Amora or Gemara is named. The Gemara contains the Mishna, the Amoraim, and Aggadot. These are dialectical arguments and traditions that fill the halls of learning for hundreds of years in Jewish life. They discuss many topics, which go beyond the Mishnah.  these include, science, philosophy, politics, psychology, etc.  Although they don't always agree with modern science, that is not the point.  The talmud is the basis of Orthodox Jewish life, and its mastery is accomplished by dedication and hard work.  There is much to learn from the Talmudic insights, and these should not be rejected by Karaites.  They can be debated.  I see the Karaites as having their own opinions and methods of interpretation, which sometimes can be similar to, or in opposition to the Talmud.  But Karaite views have not been formalised into one body of knowledge.   There is also secular knowledge and insight of great minds that is contained within the Talmud.

It is also wrong to make an assault on the Talmud, since this is the backbone of Jewish life. If a prophet arises and has criticisms, that would need to be accepted (although not by the Talmudists).

The question I have previously discussed is whether Judaism needs a Talmud?  I have been told that Karaites traditionally studied the Talmud. On the other hand, the Sadducees were in debate with the Pharisees about various Temple rites. Some of these are recorded within the Talmud, although the accuracy of those debates is not proven.  There are decisions in the Talmud one would disagree with, but often we can find in another volume a different viewpoint.

My position is that the Kohanim had the closest understanding of the Biblical laws, and this was disputed by the Mishnaic Pharisees. But there is nmuch to gain by having a knowledge of the Talmud.