The Talmud has served for over 1000 years as the central text used in training Rabbis, and as the primary document for understanding traditional Jewish law and for understanding the traditional Jewish understanding of the Torah. The Talmud records dissenting opinions and does not always record which opinion was accepted, for this, later law codes and commentaries are necessary.
Judaism
Menachem Fisch has written: 'Rational rabbis' -- subject(s): Criticism, interpretation, Judaism and science, Talmud, Talmud Torah (Judaism)
In Judaism, the answer is no (Talmud, Berakhot 16b).
Contained in the Torah and explained in the Talmud.
The teachings of Judaism can be found in the The Hebrew Bible, the Mishna, The Talmud, and many other texts.
The putting of the Talmud into writing.
A yeshiva is a school where the focus is on the study of Talmud and other Torah-texts.
David Charles Kraemer has written: 'Exploring Judaism' -- subject(s): Criticism, interpretation, Judaism, Talmud 'The mind of the Talmud' -- subject(s): History, Interpretation and construction, Jewish law, Talmud 'Jewish eating and identity through the ages'
Jewish law is called 'halacha'. Halacha can be found in the Talmud.
The putting of the Talmud into writing.
No. (And in Judaism, of which the Talmud is a part, it is not canonized in the Jewish Bible. It is a separate, non-prophetic text.)
According to tradition, Abraham began the practices of Judaism 3800 years ago (Talmud, Yoma 28b).