The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Talmud: Wisdom of the Ages about Law, Religion, Science, Mathematics, Philosophy, and Mo

by Aaron Parry

Book Overview

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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1592572022
• ISBN13: 9781592572021
• Release Date: July 2004
• Publisher: Alpha Books
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.3" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 17 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

Comprehensive elementary approach to the meaning of the Talmud

This book is a friendly comprehensive summary intended for secular Jews and non Jews about the meaning of the Talmud, (the Jewish Oral Law). The Torah is the Jewish written Law. The first half chapters outline brief explanations about Judaism, the origins of the Talmud, and a glimpse of every of its tractates, mostly related to Jewish fundamentals, laws and concepts The last half chapters illustrate about ancient Talmud Sages opinions about mathematics, ecology, medicine, astronomy, and rulings about controversial issues like cloning, sex and abortion. It also offers interesting transcripts of famous Talmud pieces of wisdom and websites with Talmud content for daily consultation Amusing and practical

A great introduction to the Talmud

The Talmud is an immense work, and this book is an excellent concise, yet comprehensive, overview of it. This book covers many points and issues, including structure and origins, prominent personae, topics covered, views presented, and the traditional and complex methodologies for learning these. Rabbi Parry also presents many ideas and facts in this book that would be difficult to find elsewhere; I believe that even people who have some knowledge of the Talmud will gain insights into both the historical details of the Talmud as well as its unique take on many contemporary and ethical issues. The Talmud is considered to be a holy work by observant Jews, and Rabbi Parry treats it as such, and this is the basis to his approach in his presentation of the Talmud in the book. His writing style is very personable. I found this book interesting and quite readable. I believe that it will further fan the spark of interest of the reader to study the Talmud on a deeper level.

Great overview!

Admittedly, I was a little disapointed when I found out this text wasn't written by Rabbi Benjamin Blech (author of Idiot's Guide's to Understanding Judaism, Jewish History/Culture and Learning Yiddish). However, I found myself pleased with the book and the knowledge of the author. Rabbi Aaron Parry takes the extremely complex topic of the Talmud, Judaism's oral tradition, and breaks it down into an easy-to-understand (yet still intellectual) approach. In addition to the in-depth explanation, the entire book is peppered with little Talmudic quotes of wisdom. Rabbi Parry covers information on the writings that make up the Talmud, the organisation of the pages and the orders. It points out which commentaries are where and discusses the sages that wrote them. The book also includes plenty of relevant background information on the creation of the Talmud and those who wrote and contributed to it, as well as explaining modern day application of Talmudic law and important issues of discussion within the Talmud. I may not be about to go out and study Talmud myself after reading the text, but at least I'll be able to understand if other people are discussing it!

Fun and informative- what more could you want?

Like most of this series, this one is also enjoyable with an easy to read format. Not for advanced students obviously, this guide can be useful for those with some knowledge [like myself] as well as beginners. It covers the basics - history, structure, methodology - and the extras with humorous anecdotes, short biographies of famous Talmudists, and a good list of websites for further exploration. A must for every Jewish library if you're not already a rabbi, cantor, or Talmud student! Enjoy.