The Talmud is a central text in Rabbinic Judaism, consisting of a compilation of teachings, laws, and discussions that elaborate on the Mishnah, an earlier legal code. It is divided into two main parts: the Mishnah itself and the Gemara, which is a commentary on the Mishnah. The Talmud encompasses a wide range of topics, including ethics, philosophy, and theology, and serves as a key source for Jewish law and tradition. There are two versions of the Talmud: the Babylonian Talmud and the Jerusalem Talmud, with the former being more widely studied and authoritative.