<Li> The highest level, halachah (Jewish law), consists of collating the opinions set out in the Talmud with those of the halachic codes such as the Mishneh Torah and the Shulchan Aruch, so as to study the Talmud as a source of law . (A project called Halacha Brura, founded by Abraham Isaac Kook, presents the Talmud and a summary of the halachic codes side by side in book form so as to enable this kind of collation .) </Li> <P> Today most Sephardic yeshivot follow Lithuanian approaches such as the Brisker method: the traditional Sephardic methods are perpetuated informally by some individuals .' Iyyun Tunisa'i is taught at the Kisse Rahamim yeshivah in Bnei Brak . </P> <P> In the late 19th century another trend in Talmud study arose . Rabbi Hayyim Soloveitchik (1853--1918) of Brisk (Brest - Litovsk) developed and refined this style of study . Brisker method involves a reductionistic analysis of rabbinic arguments within the Talmud or among the Rishonim, explaining the differing opinions by placing them within a categorical structure . The Brisker method is highly analytical and is often criticized as being a modern - day version of pilpul . Nevertheless, the influence of the Brisker method is great . Most modern day Yeshivot study the Talmud using the Brisker method in some form . One feature of this method is the use of Maimonides' Mishneh Torah as a guide to Talmudic interpretation, as distinct from its use as a source of practical halakha . </P> <P> Rival methods were those of the Mir and Telz yeshivas . </P>

When was the talmud written and by whom