ABSTRACT
THE conflict between the Samaritans and the Judeans was followed at no long interval by one of no less historical and religious importance within the Judean community itself. The fundamental question at issue in this conflict, on the religious side, was whether the spiritual leader of the people should be the priest or the teacher; and in their endeavours to establish their position the teachers laid the foundations of the work which became subsequently the great pillar of Rabbinic Judaism, the Talmud.
