History of the Talmud

"The persecutors of the Talmud during the period ranging from the first century B.C., when it began to take form, to the present day, have varied in their character, objects and actions. In one respect, however, they all agreed, namely, in their general wish to destroy its existence. Careful consideration of its many vicissitudes certainly justifies the assertion that the Talmud is one of the wonders of the world. During the twenty centuries of its existence not one of them has passed without great and powerful enemies vying with each other and exhausting every effort to destroy it; still it survived in its entirety, and not only has the power of its foes failed to destroy even a single line, but it has not even been able materially to weaken its influence for any length of time. It still dominates the minds of a whole people, who venerate its contents as divine truth, and countless numbers have sacrificed their lives and their possessions to save it from perishing." - M.L Rodkinson



This work is drawn from the tenth volume of Michael L. Rodkinson's translation of the Babylonian Talmud, offering a fascinating insight into the history of the Talmud, from its origins to its development in modern times. It also includes chapters on the ethical teachings of the Talmud and explores why Christians should also take an interest in the Talmud.