Tradition

Respect for tradition was particularly strong among Jews during the period at the beginning of the Christian era. Among these traditions, the most important collection was Pirke Aboth (Traditions of the Fathers). This consisted of comments by famous rabbis in explanation of the written Law. This and a growing collection of other rabbinic traditions interpreting the Law became an authoritative commentary on the written code. This collection was esteemed to be equal to the written Law.

The Pharisees used the expression “tradition of the elders” when speaking to Jesus about hand washing (Mt 15:2; Mk 7:5). In his response, Jesus referred to the “traditions of men,” thus drawing attention to their human origin. In fact, in Mark 7:8, he definitely set the commandment of God over these traditions, which had become a burden to the people. Jesus strongly criticized the scribes and Pharisees for the way these traditions were enforced (Mt 23). He noted that adherence to the tradition had become more important than the moral and personal effect of the teaching.

See Judaism; Law, Biblical Concept of; Pharisees; Talmud; Tradition, Oral.