BARAITA OF R. ISHMAEL (
):
A Baraita which explains the thirteen rules of R. Ishmael, and their application, by means of illustrations from the Bible. The name is inaccurately given also to the first part of the Baraita, which only enumerates the thirteen rules. The Baraita constitutes the introduction to the Sifra, and precedes it in all editions, containing principles which in the Sifra are given their application. The Baraita probably originated in the school of R. Ishmael; and in this regard the name is not wholly erroneous. For details see Ishmael, Tanna, and Hermeneutics. The Hekalot are also called by some the "Baraita of R. Ishmael."
