Tradition vs Inquiry in Establishing Fact or Reality in the Talmud Yerushalmi. We find different approaches among the Sages to the question of how to establish the halakhic status of natural phenomena (e.g. the classification of a growth as fruit or vegetable or the definition of a term). Some Rabbis relied on Tradition, while others relied on inquiry. The Talmud Yerushalmi itself suggests inquiry into the reality and even if a Tradition exists. If you would like to receive updates please email us here.