A masterful introduction to the to the great repository of Jewish wisdom, the Talmud In The Essential Talmud, the renowned Israeli scholar and teacher Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz succinctly describes the history, structure, and methodology of the sacred text by which the Jewish people have lived and survived through the ages. Rabbi Steinsaltz summarizes the Talmud's main principles, demonstrates its contemporary relevance, and captures the spirit of this unique and paradoxical text as a human expression of divine law. This expanded edition features a historical overview of life in the times of the Talmud and an in-depth look at the content and appearance of the original Talmudic page. As Rabbi Solomon S. Bernards of the B'Nai B'rith Anti-Defamation League puts it, "this book is indispensable to those, Jews and Christians alike, who would like to gain an insight into what it is that moves the contemporary Jew." Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, hailed by Time as a "once-in-a-millennium scholar," is internationally regarded as a leading scholar and rabbi. He founded the Israel Institute for Talmudic Publications, and has written many books on subjects including the Talmud, Jewish mysticism, religious thought, sociology, historical biography, and philosophy. His published works have been translated into Russian, English, French, Portuguese, Swedish, Japanese, and Dutch. He lives in Jerusalem. "Offers a fascinating introduction to the codified oral tradition."-Christianity Today "Steinsaltz is a consummate master of the subject...extremely helpful."-Commentary "Rabbi Steinsaltz not only organizes and clarifies a vast amount of highly complex material, but manages to suggest the magnetism of the Talmudic commitment through the centuries...[a] worthwhile introduction to the character and genius of the Talmud for non-Jews and a refresher course for Jews who wish an uncluttered layman's view."-Kirkus Reviews.… (more)