What is the Talmud?

This question makes people freeze. Your friend, coworker or child asks about the Talmud, and you’re stuck searching for words. 

You know it’s a big part of Judaism. Talmud study is practically the definition of Jewish learning. But who wrote it, what did they write, and why? 

In 2011, South Korea’s ambassador went on Israeli TV with a book named ‘Talmud.’ “Every Korean family has at least one copy,” he said. “Mothers want to know how so many Jews became geniuses.” It turns out the Talmud has gone through seventy printings in Japan. 

They’re fascinated. What about us? The Talmud is a huge part of our heritage—and it’s never been reserved for scholars. And does it contain the secret to Jewish success? 

Let’s learn. 

We’ll be delighted to welcome you to our newest JLI workshop: Decoding the Talmud. It’s the crash course in Talmud for every thinking Jew.