The Essential Talmud is a masterful introduction to the beliefs, attitudes, and methods of the sacred text by which the Jewish people have lived and survived through the ages-by the renowned Israeli rabbi, scholar, and teacher. Rabbi Steinsaltz is the first to capture the flavor and spirit of the Talmud as a human document and to summarize its main principles as an expression of divine law. This expanded edition features a new preface by the rabbi, a historical overview of life in the times of the Talmud, and an in-depth look at the content and appearance of the original Talmudic page. This seminal volume makes abundantly clear the importance of the Talmud in the lives of modern Jews. ''This book is indispensable to those, Jews and Christians alike, who would like to gain an insight into what it is that moves the contemporary Jew.'' (Rabbi Solomon S. Bernards, B'Nai B'rith Anti-Defamation League)REVIEW: ''Offers a fascinating introduction to the codified oral tradition.'' (Christianity Today)