Dictionary of the Targumim, the Talmud Babli and Yerushalmi, and the Midrashic Literature (English and Hebrew Edition) [Hardcover]

Marcus Jastrow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2006

A classic and still standard resource, Marcus Jastrow's monumental dictionary remains unique in that it covers both the Hebrew and Aramaic languages in the literature of the rabbinic period. This indispensable dictionary of targumic and rabbinic literature includes thousands of entries in fully vocalized Hebrew and Aramaic, with references to the original texts, clear English definitions, and the full range of meanings and usages in the sources. It is organized alphabetically by actual form but includes also reference to a word's root, with abundant cross-references. Complete in one volume, in original largeprint format, sturdy binding, and with an index of Scriptural quotations, it is the most comprehensive single-volume dictionary available for reading early Jewish texts.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1760 pages
• Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers (February 2006)
• Language: English, Hebrew
• ISBN-10: 1565638603
• ISBN-13: 978-1565638600
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.2 x 2.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,070,397 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #42 in Books > Education & Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauruses > Foreign Language > Aramaic
  • #96 in Books > Education & Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauruses > Foreign Language > Hebrew

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 85-year-old Edition needs new plates and updating, January 23, 2002

By 

Rubén (US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dictionary of the Targumim, Talmud Babli, Yerushalmi, and Midrashic Literature (Hardcover)

Impressive work of scholarship, especially when one realizes this was compiled before the advent of computers and word processors. I agree with the previous reviewer: the text needs to be reset, as the type is unreadable in many places. One can also assume that since the 1910's (when the Jastrow first appeared,) new research based on, for example, the Qumran texts has expanded our knowledge of Aramaic, as well as post-second Temple times. Until that happens, this is the one to get.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars DON'T BUY THIS CD, August 19, 2005

By 

a rabbinical student in LA - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dictionary of the Targumim, Talmud Babli, Yerushalmi, and Midrashic Literature (CD-ROM)

Of course all students of Talmud need a Jastrow dictionary, but this CD rom is a scam! It has no search capacity--you have to scroll through 1700+ pages to find what you're looking for. Some con artist must have scanned the book into PDF format and then put it out on the market for nearly 20 dollars a pop. Shameful, shameful, shameful! It is completely unusable.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Monumental Work, February 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Dictionary of the Targumim, Talmud Babli, Yerushalmi, and Midrashic Literature (Hardcover)

This dictionary is an absolute must for anyone learning Gemara or any other Aramaic works. It is simply the best Aramaic dictionay around. Not only is every possible definition given, Jastrow brings down numerous examples of the usage of each word, ensuring a firm grasp of each word's nuances. A dictionary like this does not come around often. This should hold a prominent position on anyone's bookshelf- an easy to reach one; you'll use it often!