For centuries the Babylonian Talmud has been accessible only to scholars of Aramaic and Hebrew.

Compiled by the greatest minds of 35 generations, the Talmud unfolds answers to every pressing question that faced the Jews throughout the ages on agriculture, astronomy, medicine, economics, architecture, mystical doctrine, mathematics, business, physiology, political science, history, metaphysics, prayer and worship, death and mourning, marriage, divorce, sexual relations, and psychology.

Two pillars of traditional Jewish scholarship are woven together in the Talmud: Halacha the exposition of Jewish laws and customs, their biblical derivations and their practical application in every realm of human relations; and Aggadah a rich rabbinic folklore, full of legends, maxims, ethical writings, and esoteric interpretations of Jewish law and observance.

To those who have studied it, the Talmud is, in the words of the poet, "a book of gems,"" and only the barrier of language has prevented it from being more widely appreciated. Now this resplendent body of knowledge is completely and definitively translated into English.

This lucid and critically acclaimed English rendering has been prepared by world renowned talmudic scholars under the direction of Rabbi Epstein. The Soncino Talmud is the crowning glory of any home library. This popular edition of the Babylonian Talmud contains the full original Hebrew-Aramaic text with the Soncino Press English translation on facing pages.
Also included is a helpful commentary in the form of explanatory notes which clarify sources as well as hard to understand portions. Each volume measures close in size to, and follows the exact format of, the classic Vilna edition of the Talmud. 4 volumes are currently out of print: Kiddushin, Menahoth, Temurah/Keritoth/Milah, and Minor Tractates.

By: Rabbi Isidore Epstein