The minor tractates are normally printed at the end of
Seder Nezikin in the
Talmud. They include:
The minor tractates •
Sefer Torah (regulations for writing
Torah scrolls). Nearly equivalent to the first five chapters of
Soferim. •
Mezuzah (Hebrew: מזוזה – scroll affixed to the doorpost). •
Tefillin (Hebrew: תפילין – phylacteries). •
Tzitzit (Hebrew: ציצית – fringes) discusses the biblical commandment (Numbers 15:38–40; Deuteronomy 22:12) to attach fringes (tzitzit) to four-cornered garments. The text explores who is obligated, the required garment types, and the proper construction of tzitzit. •
Avadim (Hebrew: עבדים – slaves) focusing on the laws and ethical treatment of Hebrew and Canaanite slaves. It outlines the Acquisition and release of Hebrew slaves, including through theft restitution, self-sale, or Jubilee. Special cases like the nirẓaʿ (a slave who chooses to remain with his master) and female Hebrew slaves. Rights and obligations of masters and slaves, including humane treatment, work conditions, and parting gifts upon release. Redemption laws, especially for Jews sold to non-Jews, and the roles of family and courts in redeeming them. Canaanite slaves and their emancipation through injury or legal documents. Ethical considerations, such as prohibitions against degrading labor and the importance of treating slaves with dignity. •
Gerim (Hebrew: גרים –
converts) outlines the conversion process to Judaism, emphasizing sincerity, ritual requirements (circumcision, immersion), and ethical treatment of converts. It also discusses the status of resident aliens (
ger toshav), legal implications of conversion, and the spiritual value and dignity of proselytes within Jewish tradition. •
Kutim (Hebrew: כותים – Samaritans) explores the boundaries of permissible and forbidden interactions with the
Samaritan community, a group whose status oscillated between being considered part of the Jewish people in some contexts and being regarded as outsiders in others.
The external tractates •
Avot of Rabbi Natan (Hebrew: אבות דרבי נתן), an expansion of
Pirkei Avot. Similarly, a
Masechet Hanukkah is mentioned in connection with the
Vilna Gaon, but is not extant. A translation of all of the minor tractates was published in two volumes by
Soncino Press; a one-volume edition with the original Hebrew was later issued as part of their set of the Babylonian Talmud. Numerous translations of individual tractates have been produced by other publishers. The Yale Judaica Series includes translations of Avot de-Rabbi Natan and Semahot; the former has been translated at least three other times, and the latter also appears, along with the two Derekh Eretz tractates, in
Michael Rodkinson's Talmud translation. == References ==