Customer Reviews

The Babylonian Talmud: A Translation And Commentary (22-Volume Set with CD-ROM)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Talmud is the fundamental source for Jewish oral law, or explanation and development of the written law that appears in the first five books of the Bible. The Talmud reads like the Biblical version of the Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787 Reported by James Madison. It is not an easy read. But here one finds the most authoritative exposition of Judaism and a classic of Western thought.

This edition collects the Talmud in the most affordable modern English translation. It employs Neusner's characteristic outline style. And much attention is given to form and structure. Although the printed volumes do not contain indices, the set includes a valuable searchable compact disc. This edition presents a splendid option for a general reader hoping to attack the original text.

Older editions include Rodkinson's NEW EDITION OF THE BABYLONIAN TALMUD ORIGINAL TEXT, EDITED, CORRECTED, FORMULATED AND TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH (1903) and Epstein's Babylonian Talmud (Soncino Talmud). 18 Volumes. (1953). A wonderful searchable electronic version of the Esptein Soncino Talmud is available, along with Midrash Rabbah (10 Vol. Set) and Zohar (5 Volume set), in Davka's Soncino Classics Collection.

A more user-friendly version of the Talmud is found in Steinsaltz's version, which is not yet complete. Consider this edition for a gentler introduction to the Talmud. The first volume of the set is The Talmud, The Steinsaltz Edition, Volume 1: Bava Metzia Part 1 (Talmud the Steinsaltz Edition). And a very useful reference volume is Talmud Reference Guide (Talmud the Steinsaltz Edition). Consider getting this reference guide no matter which Talmud you settle on.

But if you want to spend significant time with the Talmud and truly dig deeply into this fundamental source, among English translations, there is no substitute for the ArtScroll edition, complete at 73 volumes for about $2000. The commentary is deeper, the original Hebrew text is also printed opposite the English translation, and each volume is fully indexed. Consider purchasing the first volume, Schottenstein Daf Yomi Edition of the Talmud : English Berachos Volume 1 (folios 2a-30b).

No matter which way to enter the waters of the Talmud, do take the swim. For its waters are deep and wide. And they will take you places that you can reach through no other journey.