Learning to Read Talmud: What it Looks Like and How it Happens (original) (raw)

Talmud Curriculum Defined and Refined

Talmud is one of the core subjects in an Orthodox Jewish child's education. Every school determines their own Talmud curriculum. Unfortunately however, no data exists on the success rates of the Talmud studies provided by the schools. I conducted a survey in two local yeshiva high schools, to discover how the students feel about the current Talmud curriculum and their attitude toward Talmud learning in general. After presenting the data I then discuss four ideas which could possibly enhance current Talmud studies curriculum globally In the second part of the essay, I use the data collected from previous research to identify reading skills, content comprehension and content association, as the core issues with the current curriculum. I then address those issues and suggest solutions which can possibly solve several of the prevalent learning issues - based on traditional sources as well as the current, cutting edge research, on brain based learning. In the third portion of the essay I identify, through previous research and interviews with leaders in Jewish education, five key limitations within the current Talmud curriculum. Using Jewish traditional sources in addition to current brain research for better methods of learning. In addition, I discuss the presented limitations, and one by one offer practical, easy to implement solutions for a better future in Talmud education.

The Talmud – A Personal Take Selected Essays

2017

In this book, Daniel Boyarin offers a wide-ranging introduction to the many fields of study to which the Talmud can contribute, from linguistics to gender studies to the relations between formative Judaism and Christianity and the literary genres of the Talmud in the Hellenistic context.

Reading Talmudic Sources as Arguments: A new Interpretive Approach/ sample chapter

2020

Reading Talmudic Sources as Arguments: A New Interpretive Approach elucidates the unique characteristics of Talmudic discourse culture. Approaching Talmudic literature from a linguistic perspective, the book shows the extensive and hidden ways in which later rabbis used early formulations. Applying Quentin Skinner's interpretive question “What was the author doing in composing the text in this particular way?" to Talmudic literature reveals that Talmudic debate is not only about ideas, concepts, and laws but also about the latter's connection to pre-existing formulations. These early traditions, rather than only being accepted or not, are used by later generations to build their own arguments. The book articulates the function of tradition at the time that Rabbinic Judaism was forged. For the entire book please send a request.