Description
Book SynopsisThe critically acclaimed author of A Blessing on the Moon, The English Disease, and A Curable Romantic explores stories from the Talmud, one of the most sacred Jewish texts, to discover the modern wisdom in these ancient tales.
Trade Review"Skibell's work is lucid and erudite, and he does honor to his subject matter...A fresh look at an ancient source." * Kirkus *
". . . highly readable, and deeply thought-provoking...he presents the Talmud’s treatment of its own authors as both role models and warnings, a remarkably self-reflective approach that is needed today perhaps more than ever." * Jewish Book Council *
Table of Contents
- A Note on the Title
- Acknowledgments
- A Novelist Reads the Talmud: An Introduction
- Timeline of Relevant Events, According to Rabbinic Tradition
- Memo One. Rabbi Yohanan and Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish
- Chapter 1. Eros and Alchemy in the Waters of the Jordan
- Memo Two. Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai
- Chapter 2. Turning the Hearts of Fathers
- Memo Three A, B, and C. Rabbi Elazar ben Rabbi Shimon, Rabbi Pinhas ben Yair, and Rabbi Judah ben Gerim
- Chapter 3. Towards the Hearts of Sons
- Memo Four. Rabban Gamliel II of Yavneh, Rabbi Joshua ben Hananiah, and Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus
- Chapter 4. The Gate of a Broken Heart
- Memo Five. Rabbi Akiva, Shimon ben Azzai, Shimon ben Zoma, and Elisha ben Avuyah
- Chapter 5. Revelation, Retribution, Perdition, Ecstasy, and Bliss: An Epic Canvas
- Endnotes
- Glossary
