The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Talmud

Rating:
Summary: Great overview!
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: More than good advice
Review: I haven't had a chance to read this book yet, but I can attest to the authors vast knowledge of Jewish scholarship and culture. A real virtuoso. Anyone interested in this subject would be a fool to look elsewhere. And I appreciated the other reviews and advise especially the suggestion to purchase SpaceBalls along with this selection.

Rating:
Summary: It Even Applies to Non-Jews
Review: I've been a fan of religion my entire life, and have read many books on the topic. This book rates a 10 in my book. It clarifies so many questions and opens the door for so many new discoveries. The cool thing is that it addresses issues that are not specific only to those of the Jewish faith. This book opened my eyes wider to the beauty of the mystical teachings and uncovered new teachings that enlightened me.

This book is one of those rare gems that you would never expect by its title. I wish all books on religion were this direct and understandable.

RC

Rating:
Summary: This is the book!
Review: If you have an interest in the Talmud, whether you are Jewish or Gentile this book is a great introduction. It is not only highly informative and accurate it is also well written, relevant and even suprising. This is not an academic treatise that will put you to sleep nor an unltra-traditionlist's hair splitting. This is a no regrets taste of Talmud that will leave you more learned and intrigued then when you started.

Rating:
Summary: Fun and informative- what more could you want?
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Talmud for the rest of us...
Review: This book is a wonderful introduction to a very extensive body of knowledge. It provides an overview of the structure of the Talmud, a look at some of the wit and wisdom within, and some really surprising and interesting "trivia" along the way. It is presented with humor and down-to-earth language. Reading this book will not make you an expert on the Talmud, but it definitely WILL give you an understanding of what this important Jewish text is all about, and insight into why after all these centuries, it is still relevant.