The 63 Tractates of Shas - part I

The laws transmitted orally from Sinai were organized by Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi into six orders containing 63 tractates, called “mesechtos” in Hebrew. (“Shas” is an acronym for “Shisha Sedarim”—the Six Orders.) These are:

I. Seder Zeraim (The Order of Seeds)—laws of agriculture Brachos*—blessings and prayers Peah—the corner of a field Demai—doubtfully-tithed produce Kilayim—forbidden mixtures Sheviis—the Sabbatical year Terumah—the portion given to the kohein Maaseros—tithes Maaser Sheini—the second tithe Challah—the portion of dough Orlah—the fruit of the first three years Bikkurim—first fruits

II. Seder Moed (The Order of Festivals)—laws of Sabbath and holidays Shabbos*—the Sabbath Eiruvin*—carrying and travel on Shabbos Pesachim*—Passover Shekalim—the half-shekel coin Yoma*—Yom Kippur, the day of atonement Succah*—Succos, the feast of Tabernacles Beitza*—Yom Tov Rosh Hashana*—the Jewish new year Taanis*—fasts Megillah*—Purim Moed Katan*—chol hamoed, the intermediate days of a Festival Chagigah*—the pilgrimage

III. Seder Nashim (The Order of Women)—laws of marital relationships Yevamos*—levirate marriage Kesubos*—marriage contracts Nedarim*—vows Nazir*—the nazirite Sotah*—the suspected wife Gittin*—divorce Kiddushin*—marriages

Continued next week.

*37 of these mesechtos have gemaras in the Babylonian Talmud. These are marked with an asterisk above