Why is the Talmud written in Syriac/Aramaic and not in Hebrew if the Rabbanite Jews at the time understood Hebrew as it is claimed today?

 The Talmud is not written in Syriac/Aramaic but primarily in a combination of Mishnaic Hebrew and Aramaic. The Talmud is a central text in Rabbinic Judaism and consists of two main components: the Mishnah and the Gemara. The Mishnah, the core legal code, is written in Mishnaic Hebrew, a dialect of Hebrew that was used during the Second Temple period. The Gemara, a commentary and analysis of the Mishnah, is primarily written in Aramaic.

Here's why the Talmud incorporates both Hebrew and Aramaic:

1. **Mishnaic Hebrew:**

   - The Mishnah, compiled in the early centuries CE, is primarily written in Mishnaic Hebrew. Mishnaic Hebrew is a later form of Biblical Hebrew, and the decision to use this language was likely due to its association with traditional Jewish texts and religious teachings.

2. **Aramaic in the Gemara:**

   - The Gemara, a commentary on the Mishnah, was developed through discussions and debates among rabbis in the Jewish academies of Babylonia (modern-day Iraq) and later in Palestine. Aramaic was the lingua franca of the Jewish communities in Babylonia during this time, and it became the natural language for recording the discussions and debates.

3. **Accessibility for a Wider Audience:**

   - The use of both Mishnaic Hebrew and Aramaic in the Talmud allowed it to be accessible to a broader audience. Mishnaic Hebrew was familiar to Jewish scholars, while the use of Aramaic facilitated communication with the wider Jewish community in Babylonia, where Aramaic was commonly spoken.

4. **Linguistic Nuances:**

   - Different sections of the Talmud might use Hebrew or Aramaic depending on the content and context. Hebrew was often used for matters related to biblical interpretation and legal principles, while Aramaic was used for discussions, debates, and commentary.

5. **Development over Centuries:**

   - The Talmudic literature developed over several centuries and underwent a gradual process of compilation and redaction. The use of Hebrew and Aramaic reflects the linguistic and cultural context of the Jewish communities in Babylonia and Palestine during that time.

While Hebrew was certainly understood by the Rabbinic scholars, the inclusion of Aramaic in the Talmud reflects the linguistic diversity and historical circumstances of the Jewish diaspora. Today, the Talmud is studied and revered by Jewish scholars and communities worldwide, and translations and commentaries in various languages make its teachings accessible to a broader audience.