The Essential Talmud

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 discover the depth and beauty of his teachings.

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.

I liked this book and found it very helpful. It is more about how the Talmud was actually put together, than a review or commentary on what the Talmud actually contains.

Trying to summarize the Talmud in a paperback is quite an undertaking, but Steinsalz has provided readers with a taste of the Talmud's wisdom.Steinsalz clarifies some interesting distinctions. For example, women were exempted from certain legal responsibilities out of concern for their limitations in rearing children, etc., but not forbidden from many of them (e.g., going to the Temple for the Feasts).I write as a Christian pastor whose interest lies in the Jewish roots of my particular faith. So whether investigating Judaism as a Jew or whether probing into the Talmud as a non-Jew, this book is a valuable distillation.