The Essential Talmud is a masterful introduction to the beliefs, attitudes, and methods of the sacred text by which the Jewish people have lived and survived through the ages-by the renowned Israeli rabbi, scholar, and teacher. Rabbi Steinsaltz is the first to capture the flavor and spirit of the Talmud as a human document and to summarize its main principles as an expression of divine law. This expanded edition features a new preface by the rabbi, a historical overview of life in the times of the Talmud, and an in-depth look at the content and appearance of the original Talmudic page. This seminal volume makes abundantly clear the importance of the Talmud in the lives of modern Jews. "This book is indispensable to those, Jews and Christians alike, who would like to gain an insight into what it is that moves the contemporary Jew." (Rabbi Solomon S. Bernards, B'Nai B'rith Anti-Defamation League)REVIEW: "Offers a fascinating introduction to the codified oral tradition." (Christianity Today)
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Outstanding:
From Jewish oral tradition to the cultural development of the Talmud, and from the colorful depiction of Jewish daily life to the importance of Hebraic history and impact on "Modern Jews", Rabbi Steinsaltz took us on a delightful journey of wisdom and enlightement. I knew the Rabbi for many years, and I have attended almost all of his lectures in New York City.
What a delight to hear him explaining the Torah and the Talmud in a most enchanting way.
This book offers you the opportunity to... more info
Illuminating short introduction to Jewish thought:
I am a Christian, with a Jewish wife and deep exposure to Jewish culture. I have often found myself bewildered by Judaism. When my wife and I read from the Torah/Old Testament, for example, we usually seem to be reading entirely different books, although the text is identical. As the years have gone by, I have often felt that they more I am exposed to Judaism, the stranger it is to me. I was given this book by a Jewish friend. I found that it answered a tremendous number of my questions. The basic... more info
Textbook for Undergrad Theology at Oral Roberts University:
This book will be used at Oral Roberts University for the summer school class titled "Intro to Jewish Literature" which will be a springboard class for the new graduate degree in Biblical Literature with emphasis on Judeo-Christian Studies. Excellent beginners book on how to read the Talmud, its History, and how it should be read. For those not enrolling in classes, this would be an excellent resource for your private library, or purchase a copy for your public library and share the knowledge.
Prof.... more info
A very good short introduction:
This is the best short introduction to the Talmud I know. The first section that relates the history of the Talmud's creation is the most extensive and interesting part of the work. The short summaries of various tractates also provide a basic knowledge. But there is no substitute for ' learning the Talmud with others' Hopefully this work will encourage many to do so.
