A Taste of Text: An Introduction to the Talmud and Midrash

Aimed at high school students, A Taste of Text: An Introduction to Talmud and Midrash is the perfect introduction to the study of Jewish text. Rabbi Ronald H. Isaacs guides students in reading, investigating, and questioning the Talmud and the Midrash. Using many of his favorite ethical texts, the author addresses sixteen topics of religious and personal importance. The subjects range from the value of friendship to protecting and repairing the Earth. Each chapter begins with a talmudic or midrashic tale, followed by four additional sections. The first provides background information on the tale, helping to explain the morals and ethical lessons. In the next section, Jewish views on the topic are presented and expanded upon. The third section is a collection of quotes from various Jewish texts and rabbinic authorities throughout history that relate to the topic. Each chapter concludes with a set of questions that encourage further study and discussion.