Customer Reviews

Inspiring and Insightful - By: Gary Selikow, 17 Jun 2008
The Talmud by H Polano is a compilation of selections from that Ancient Book; it's commentaries, teachings, poetry & legends.
It is important reading for all Jews, but also a source of wisdom & insight for a gentile reader.
The section on Biblical History is quite fascinating, & includes a depth of detail, which we don't always come acrossin summaries of biblical events. For example we read of Enoch's ascent to heaven, how Abram - the father of the Jewish Nation- lived for a time with Noah, & a well-documented account of the rescue by Simeon & Levi, of their sister Dinah, & the age of deaths of all the sons of Jacob.

Unfortunately this does not encompass the entire Biblical history foundin the Talmud, & it cuts off abruptly at parts, starting equally abruptly elsewhere.
For example,in discussing Abraham's intended sacrifice of Isaac, the book tells us how Isaac "stretched his neck to meet the knife which restedin his father's hand".
But leave out the appearance of the angel, & the trapping of the ramin the bush, simply continuingin a new paragraph: "and Abraham went & took the ram, & offered him up for a burned-offeringin the stead of his son."

Indeed it brings so much of the Bible to life as we remember such images as the little dark haired girl , Miriam , crouchedin the bullrushes as she watches the cradle of her little brother Moses being discovered by the Pharaoh's daughter.

Then follows a section of 'Specimens of Biblical Commentaries'.
It gives the symbolism of the ten plagues & a beautiful account of 'The Book of Esther'which contains the valuable message " And further we degree that the Jews may arise & protect themselves , aye, & take vengeance on such as raise a bloody hand against them." May the enemies of Israel always perish & may Israel always arise & defend her children , & take bloody vengenance on all who try to harm her children.
Also containedin this volume van account of the wisdom of King Solomon.

Part Third is about the Rabbis, their teachings, & incidentsin their lives, & Part Fourth: Proverbs & Sayings of the Rabbis, Legends etc , including some wonderful biblical fables like The Desert Island & The Emperor & the Aged Man.

Part Fifth includes a sketch of Criminal & Civil Lawin Judaism, & information about the Jewish Holy Days.
While this is only extract from the Talmud, & not the entire momentous works thereof, it is an extremely inspiring & insightful book.