In Judaism , the systematic amplification and analysis of passages of the Mishna , the Gemara , and other oral law, including the Tosefta .
Two Talmuds exist, produced by two different groups of Jewish scholars: the Babylonian Talmud (с AD 600) and the Palestinian Talmud (с AD 400). The Babylonian Talmud is more extensive and thus more highly esteemed. Both Talmuds formulate their own hermeneutics to convey their theological system by defining the Torah and by demonstrating its perfection and comprehensive character. The Talmud remains a text of central importance, particularly in Orthodox Judaism . Intensive modern Talmudic scholarship is pursued in Israel and the U.S. See also Halakhah .