The Halakhot Gedolot, also referred to as the Behag, its Hebrew acronym (“Ba’al Halachot Gedolot” - “Author of the Great Laws”), is a comprehensive summary of talmudic laws written in the language and style of the Babylonian Talmud. It is the first rabbinic work to have an introduction, and the introduction includes one of the first enumerations of the 613 commandments mentioned in the Talmud (Makkot 23b). Its authorship and date of composition are subject to debate, but the predominant opinion is that Simeon Kayyara authored the book in the early 8th century in Babylon. Others date the work as late as the 10th century. Later rabbinic works frequently quote and rely upon the Halakhot Gedolot.