(which is derived from the work of
the Patriarch Abraham, of blessed memory)
According to the edition printed in Mantova
[Italy; also known as Mantua]
in 5322 a.m. [1562
ce]
The edition on which most commentators based their comments,
the edition without which their comments cannot be understood
Translated and elucidated by Nathaniel (Nesanel) Segal
the Patriarch Abraham - See Chapter VI, Mishnah 8.
derived from - taught by Abraham orally and passed down through the generations until the oral teaching reached the generation of Rabbi Akiba. Rabbi Akiba was the final redactor of the Book of Formation. He delivered this definitive version to his students (most likely only in oral form). "Akiba" is an ordinary English spelling. Hebrew speakers say "Akiva."
derived from - Rabbi Akiba, as the final redactor of
the Book of Formation, arrived at a definitive oral
version that incorporated accurate teachings from the
Patriarch Abraham. Teachings in oral form were not
uncommon. Ancients were
a.m. - anno mundi; Latin for "in the year of the world" referring to the traditional Hebrew expression: "from the creation of the world," i.e, the year since creation of the world.
ce - Common Era; the counting of years as used in the western world and elsewhere. The expression for the abbreviation "a.d." refers to a counting since Jesus's birth. Jews have been reluctant to use this previously Christian reference even though it has become a secular convention.