Selections from the Talmud

The Babylonian Talmud is, after the Bible, the main source of Jewish theology and practice. It is the principal object of study in all the higher academies of orthodox Jewish learning (yeshivot), sometimes occupying a position in the curriculum higher even than the Bible itself. It is written in a mixture of Hebrew and Aramaic, and evolved over several centuries in Palestine and Babylonia (modern Iraq) reaching its present form by 600 AD. The present proposal aims to introduce the reader to the Talmud by excerpting passages from it which illustrate its major themes and methodology. Annotations will clarify any difficulties and will especially relate the material to present-day orthodox Jewish practice, showing where necessary how Judaism has developed since Talmudic times. The introduction deals with the nature of the work its evolution and its importance in the history and development of Judaism.