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    Chapter 2 · The page layout

    Common abbreviations

    Lesson 9 of 37 14 min

    The page is full of abbreviations. Knowing ten of them saves many stops. We decode the most common and learn how to decode a new one.

    Lesson goals
    • 01Decode ten common abbreviations
    • 02Understand the geresh and gershayim marks
    • 03Use the dictionary to decode an unfamiliar one
    01

    The recurring abbreviations

    מתני׳
    Matnitin - our mishnah
    גמ׳
    Gemara
    ת״ר
    Tanu Rabbanan - a baraita
    ת״ש
    Ta shema - come and hear (a proof)
    מ״ט
    Mai ta'ama - what is the reason
    ש״מ
    Shema minah - learn from it
    א״ר
    Amar Rabbi / Amar Rav
    ר״ש
    Rabbi Shimon
    אע״ג
    Af al gav - even though
    וכו׳
    Ve-khulei - et cetera
    02

    Decoding a new abbreviation

    1. 1Geresh (׳) - one shortened word. Gershayim (״) - several words as initials.
    2. 2Try by context: is it a sage's name, a source opener or a conclusion?
    3. 3Search the site dictionary - most abbreviations appear there.
    Practice

    On one Gemara page, count how often ת״ש and ש״מ appear, and note what each one opens.

    Lesson wrap-up

    An abbreviation is not a barrier but a code. Hold the key and read fast.

    Check your understanding

    Test yourself before marking the lesson complete.

    Question 1 of 3

    What does ת״ש stand for?

    Previous lessonTosafot - a first introduction
    Next lessonQuestion words - Mai, Amai, Mena Hani Milei