Greco-Roman Period
This passage is important as it indicates that among the tannaitic texts there were Mishnah collections other than the authoritative Mishnah redacted by Rabbi Judah the Prince.
‘‘A man to whom God gives riches, properties and honor so that he does not lack
anything which his appetite may crave, but God does not permit him to enjoy it…” (Eccl.
6-2). “Wealth”- this is Scripture; “properties”- these are halakhot; and “honor”- this is
Tosefta; “he does not lack anything which his appetite may crave”- these are the “Great
Mishnahs” 179 such as the Mishnah of Rav Huna, the Mishnah of Rabbi Hoshaia, and the
Mishnah of Bar Kappara.
178. Trans. S. Berrin.
179. Mishnah collections.