185 CE: “MISHNAH”

Completion of the “Mishnah”! (170–200 CE).

The embryonic discussions of the Mishnah started about 400 years earlier in Bavel (Babylon) and Jerusalem.

Exposition of the law by the scribes (Soferim)—particularly Hillel and Shamai (and their respective followings, noted above), and its elaboration by the Tannaim (high level sages) of the first and second centuries, particularly Akiva (noted above).

Final compilation was by Rabbi Yehudah Hanassi— Rabbi Judah, The Prince.

c. 195 CE: DE–LINKING EASTER FROM PASSOVER

The Christian controversy concerning the date for celebrating Easter (whether on the same day as the Jewish Passover or on a Sunday); St. Irenaeus mediates.

c. 200 CE: YEHUDA HA–NASSI: Focus

Rabbi Judah the Prince, born 135 CE, dies in 219 CE in Eretz Israel.

Rav Yehuda ha–Nassi is referred to as “Rebbe” and “Rabbeinu ha–Kodesh.” He was the son of Rebbe Gamaliel II, and his life was intertwined, according to lore, with that of Roman ruler Marcus Aurelius.

202 CE: ROMAN EMPEROR SEVERUS

Severus forbids conversion to both Judaism and Christianity. He reigns 193-211 CE.