Since its completion circa 500 CE, the Talmud has traveled with Jews wherever we have wandered in the Diaspora. It is like a suitcase of Jewish wisdom—a didactic mixture of law and lore.
Although the first English translation of the Talmud appeared a century ago, getting into Talmud study still remains a daunting challenge. These books will help you on your journey.
Restoring the Talmud addresses divergent views on the history of the Talmud. At some point in their life journey, many Jews (and Gentiles who are considering becoming Jewish) confront the question: what is Judaism? How one understands the nature and authority of the Talmud is central to this journey.
Aiding Talmud Study (pictured to right). This pocket-size volume provides a verbal and visual roadmap to the architecture of the Talmud.
The Talmud For Dummies explains what the Talmud is, how to approach it, and how to apply Talmudic wisdom in your personal and spiritual life.
Who’s Who In the Talmud has concise entries on every rabbinic personality mentioned in the Talmud, major and minor alike, and will discover such facts as their dates of birth, education, and occupation. Most entries are accompanied by a brief story about the rabbinic personality.
Grow with Gemara: A Hands-On Guide to Building Better Gemara Skills is self-explanatory.
Gemara Wisdom: Understanding the Ethics in Torah Law looks beneath the surface of the myriad laws and sometimes abstract concepts, to gain a deeper appreciation of the profundity of Torah.
Not In Heaven: The Nature and Function of Halakha analyzes Talmudic law as it applies to the religious, ethical, and judicial principles of Judaism.
