The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Talmud

Front Cover
Penguin, 2004 - 345 pages
An insightful look at one of the most unusual written works ever created. Compiled centuries ago by a group of wise men as a way to preserve the oral traditions of the Jewish faith, the Talmud has challenged and thrilled some of the world's greatest minds with its complex approach to exploring ideas and subjects from virtually every possible angle. This essential guide makes the ancient text of the "oral Torah" accessible for all readers, whether they're Jewish or not.
 

Selected pages

Contents

What Is the Talmud?
3
In the Beginning
15
Spreading the Word
25
People of the Talmud
35
Inside the Talmud
47
Of Seeds and Blessings
49
All About Appointed Times
59
All About the Women
73
The Talmud and Science
181
Medicine and Healing in the Talmud
191
On Being Holy
205
Talmudic Behavior and Conduct
219
Man and God
233
The Talmud and the Land
245
The Talmud on Death and the Afterlife
257
Living the Talmud Way
271

The Law of the Land
83
Holiness
93
Pure or Impure?
107
The Spirit of the Talmud
119
Talmudic Logic and Debate
121
Getting Mystical
131
Dreams and Visions
145
Meaning and Metaphors
157
Talmudic Humor and Wit
169
The World According to the Talmud
179
Studying the Talmud
273
The Talmuds Take on Contemporary Issues
289
Living a Talmudic Life
307
Glossary
317
The Order of the Talmud
321
Rabbinic Leaders from Moses to the Completion of the Talmud
325
Resources
327
Index
333
Copyright

Other editions - View all

Common terms and phrases

About the author (2004)

Rabbi Aaron Parry has been involved with Jewish educational and rabbinic institutions for over 15 years, and is presently the education director of the international counter-cult organization Jews for Judaism. He holds a Master's degree from New York State University in Jewish studies, and has been published in the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and Jerusalem Post.

Bibliographic information