The Talmud

For the uninitiated - and even for seasoned scholars - the Talmud is a daunting sea of literature. Jacob Neusner in this book offers guidance in approaching the rabbinic writings, analyzing the ancient teachings, and interpreting the basis of religious authority for traditional Judaism. The result is a vivid introduction to one of the great documents of religion in society.

"We may compare the framers of the Talmud therefore to a weaver of a tapestry.... The weaver uses yarn that she has not...