Q&A: Writing a Book/Columns on How to Study Talmud
Writing a Book/Columns on How to Study Talmud
Question
Hello and blessings, Rabbi,
First, I want to thank you for your wonderful lessons in your books, columns, and recordings.
Second, after reading and listening to your lessons, you instilled in me the desire to study Talmud. Wonderful.
I work in high-tech and have small children, so I don’t have time to go to classes. At night I have a bit of time after everyone falls asleep (and before I fall asleep), and I’d like to improve and study Talmud.
From your recommendations here, I saw that it’s preferable to make the effort and try to learn the Talmud without Schottenstein/Steinsaltz.
1) How does one do that alone? (1a) Is it even possible?)
2) How do you study Talmud the way you do? 2a) Is that a known method? 2b) If so, are there beginner’s guidebooks? 2c) If not, have you written in detail anywhere in the past about your method of study?
2d) Do you have the energy to write about it if not? (I understood that you’re sick to death of books, even though I bought the trilogy, the quartet, and the Yedioth Ahronoth trio.)
3) Is Talmudic Logic for advanced learners?
Answer
Many thanks. It’s hard to acquire the skill of analytical study on your own with the help of guidebooks. Classes are preferable, or at least a study partner who is skilled in this.
I don’t know how to define my method, and I’m not sure I have a distinct method.
The preference for studying from a standard Talmud text is not critical, and it can be waived. Certainly in your situation, where you need help acquiring the skill for analytical study.
The Talmudic Logic series is not introductory books. The books are accessible to someone who knows how to read interpretive sources on the Talmud.
I’ve now uploaded a column that touches on this: 637.