Amoraim (jan 1, 220 – jan 1, 500)

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The Amoraim were rabbis and scholars mostly living in the Land of Israel and in Babylon who debated the statements of the Tannaim as well as codifying the process of interpreting and applying Jewish law. They worked to find foundations for the Oral Torah taught by the Tannaim in the text of the written Torah and the rest of the Tanakh.

The statements of the Amoraim form the bulk of the Gemara, which is organized as a commentary on the Mishna. The Amoraim also composed and transmitted many midrashim.

Important figures: Bar Kappara, Rav Huna, Rabbi Yochanan, Resh Lakish, Abaye, Rav Papa, Rav Ashi, Ravina

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