Swimming in the Sea of Talmud
Overview
This book is divided into three major sections. Part I gives a general introduction to the Talmud — its language, style of writing, mode of thinking and outlook on the world. Part II presents over ninety Talmud texts in novel format: Each selection, chosen from the Babylonian Talmud, begins with a famous talmudic aphorism or maxum. Next, a short selection of Talmud test is presented, within which the aphorism is embedded, in a new, modern translation. It is not only the language of the Talmud that is enigmatic: the concepts, values, and worldviews are often difficult for us to understand. The "Context" section is a response to this challenge. Finally, in the "D'rash" section, modern applications of the talmudic teachings are given. Part III contains glossary and indexes to make this book more user-friendly as well as guidance for the reader who wishes to continue the study of Talmud on his or her own.
Wait! You can purchase this volume on the Talmud together with a later exploration of Midrash at a discount!
- A strong three-part look at the Talmud
- Contains a detailed glossary and indexes
- Completely interactive with your Logos library
- All Scripture references appear on mouse-over
Top Highlights
“Similarly, until a person stopped the sinful behavior, the act of confessing was, by itself, meaningless.” (Page 144)
“Rabbinic logic is of a totally different nature. It does not function on the same horizontal (beginning to end) or vertical (bottom to top) planes. A circle is a more appropriate model: Without beginning or end, going on eternally.” (Pages 25–26)
“The miraculous ability of a rabbi to heal by the touch of his hand speaks of the talmudic assumption that Torah, and those who embody it, have the power of life and healing.” (Page 44)
“Among the most critical questions that religion tries to answer is why good people suffer. A standard explanation is that suffering comes as a punishment for sins. But what if the afflicted person is righteous or the suffering is more severe than the sins seem to warrant? In response to this problem, the Rabbis developed a concept known as yissurin shel ahavah, ‘afflictions of love.’ Suffering may have been sent by God as a sign of divine love. The afflictions could help the righteous person to become more humble or cause her to examine her actions or induce her to further prayer, study, and good deeds. Afflictions in this life could lead to even greater rewards in the World-to-Come by purifying people of their sins now, instead of later.” (Page 43)
“If one is interested primarily in ‘What is the tradition?’ he or she may turn to a code of Jewish law like the Shulḥan Arukh or Mishneh Torah. One studies the Talmud in order to learn to ask the right questions and to search for the issues and values that are essential to a thinking, committed, yet struggling Jew.” (Page 6)
Swimming in the Sea of Talmud accents the importance of study in Judaism and reveals how each generation puts its own imprint on this resource. There is much wisdom here about holiness, humility, blessing, cherishing special moments, silence, repentance, and ethics. An example of the latter is the following rabbinical aphorism: "One who causes others to do good is greater than one who does."
—Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality & Practice
- Title: Swimming in the Sea of Talmud
- Authors: Michael Katz & Gershon Schwartz
- Publisher: Jewish Publication Society
- Publication Date: 1997
- Pages: 192
Michael Katz received a B. A. from Temple University and a B. H. L. from Gratz College. He received an M. A. from the Jewish Theological Seminary, where he was ordained in 1979. He is rabbi of Temple Beth Torah in Westbury, New York.
Gershon Schwartz received a B. A. from Columbia University and a B. H. L. and M. A. from the Jewish Theological Seminary, where he was ordained in 1979. He is rabbi of Beth Sholom Congregration in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.