Essence of Talmudic Law and Thought, The

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The Essence of Talmudic Law and Thought introduces the basic elements of the Talmud and provides the reader with historical background of the period out of which the Talmud grew. It is the story of the unfolding and making of the Talmud_its composition, structure, and redaction. After placing the emergence of the Talmud in its proper historical setting, Professor Samuel Hoenig gives the reader a first hand glimpse as to how this complex and vast literature is structured and developed. At every level, the reader is introduced to actual talmudic texts and their exegesis. Portions of the book deal with specific areas of talmudic literature such as jurisprudence, Aggadah, exegesis, and the talmudic sages. Other interesting chapters deal with talmudic thought and its impact on authentic Jewish beliefs and observance. In the chapter entitled "The Talmud on Trial," the reader learns how the non-Jewish world has historically viewed the Talmud. The book concludes with a moving discussion of "The Talmud Today: Its Impact and Influence" including its importance for continued Jewish survival. "The Talmud does not contain an introduction," Professor Hoenig writes in his Preface to the book, "In fact, in Jewish tradition it is said that there is no beginning and no end to the Talmud. However, for pedagogic purposes, scholars and talmudists of the past, especially of the Geonic and Spanish medieval schools, have written introductory works to the Talmud. It is in this spirit that The Essence of Talmudic Law and Thought was composed."