
The Talmud For Dummies
Arthur Kurzweil(Author)
Wiley (Publisher)
1st Edition
Published on 8. May 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
304 pages
978-1-394-33212-0 (ISBN)
Description
Unlock the wisdom, guidance, and spiritual insight of the Talmud
The Talmud For Dummies introduces you to the Jewish guidebook on life and overall cornerstone text of Judaism, the Talmud. This easy-to-understand book makes the Talmud's 63 volumes approachable, so you can deepen your understanding of Jewish teachings. You'll learn about what the Talmud is, get guidance on how to approach Talmud study, and find direction on how to apply the wisdom of the Talmud in your personal and spiritual life.
Read the fascinating history of the Talmud and the key figures who shaped it
Get advice on how to study the Talmud and uncover its spiritual teachings
Apply Talmudic wisdom to everyday life, including marriage, divorce, kosher practices, prayers, and even humor
Become well versed in the law of Rabbinic Judaism
The Talmud For Dummies is your go-to resource for anyone who wants to study the Talmud, including complete beginners and those looking to brush up their knowledge. Discover the timeless teachings of this profound and influential book with The Talmud For Dummies at your side.
The Talmud For Dummies introduces you to the Jewish guidebook on life and overall cornerstone text of Judaism, the Talmud. This easy-to-understand book makes the Talmud's 63 volumes approachable, so you can deepen your understanding of Jewish teachings. You'll learn about what the Talmud is, get guidance on how to approach Talmud study, and find direction on how to apply the wisdom of the Talmud in your personal and spiritual life.
Read the fascinating history of the Talmud and the key figures who shaped it
Get advice on how to study the Talmud and uncover its spiritual teachings
Apply Talmudic wisdom to everyday life, including marriage, divorce, kosher practices, prayers, and even humor
Become well versed in the law of Rabbinic Judaism
The Talmud For Dummies is your go-to resource for anyone who wants to study the Talmud, including complete beginners and those looking to brush up their knowledge. Discover the timeless teachings of this profound and influential book with The Talmud For Dummies at your side.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
John Wiley & Sons Inc
Dimensions
Height: 152 mm
Width: 230 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
450 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-394-33212-0 (9781394332120)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions


Person
Arthur Kurzweil is a teacher of Talmud and Kabbalah. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Humanitarian Award from the Melton Center for Jewish Studies at The Ohio State University for his unique contributions to Jewish education, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies. Arthur is the author of several books including The Torah For Dummies, Kabbalah For Dummies, and On the Road with Rabbi Steinsaltz.
Content
Introduction 1
Part 1: Introducing the Talmud 9
Chapter 1: What is the Talmud? 11
Chapter 2: Tracing the History of the Talmud 23
Chapter 3: Tackling the Talmud Today 41
Chapter 4: The Antisemitic War Against the Talmud 59
Chapter 5: Key Terms and Concepts From the Talmud 73
Part 2: Opening the Talmud 87
Chapter 6: Navigating the Talmud 89
Chapter 7: Greeting the Great Talmudic Masters 111
Chapter 8: Apologies and Reflections on Women in the Talmud 139
Chapter 9: Thinking Like a Talmudic Rabbi 161
Part 3: Living the Talmud Way 171
Chapter 10: Observing the Holidays as Holy Days 173
Chapter 11: On Eating, Praying, and Harmful Speech 205
Chapter 12: Breaking Taboos: The Talmud's Surprising Views on Sex 221
Chapter 13: Litigating the Talmudic Way 235
Part 4: The Part of Tens 255
Chapter 14: Grasping Ten Important Talmudic Concepts 257
Chapter 15: Ten Books for Your Talmud Library 265
Appendix: The 63 Books of the Babylonian Talmud 273
Index 283
Part 1: Introducing the Talmud 9
Chapter 1: What is the Talmud? 11
Chapter 2: Tracing the History of the Talmud 23
Chapter 3: Tackling the Talmud Today 41
Chapter 4: The Antisemitic War Against the Talmud 59
Chapter 5: Key Terms and Concepts From the Talmud 73
Part 2: Opening the Talmud 87
Chapter 6: Navigating the Talmud 89
Chapter 7: Greeting the Great Talmudic Masters 111
Chapter 8: Apologies and Reflections on Women in the Talmud 139
Chapter 9: Thinking Like a Talmudic Rabbi 161
Part 3: Living the Talmud Way 171
Chapter 10: Observing the Holidays as Holy Days 173
Chapter 11: On Eating, Praying, and Harmful Speech 205
Chapter 12: Breaking Taboos: The Talmud's Surprising Views on Sex 221
Chapter 13: Litigating the Talmudic Way 235
Part 4: The Part of Tens 255
Chapter 14: Grasping Ten Important Talmudic Concepts 257
Chapter 15: Ten Books for Your Talmud Library 265
Appendix: The 63 Books of the Babylonian Talmud 273
Index 283