Introduction to the Talmud and Midrash, 2nd edn

Written by Günter Stemberter, trans. and ed. M. Bockmuehl Reviewed By Richard S. Hess

This work is a translation from the eighth German edition of H.L. Strack’s handbook, which appeared in 1992. It is compendium of information introducing the student to the historical and cultural background and to the hermeneutics used by the authors of Rabbinic literature. There follows a survey of talmudic literature, including tosefta and extra-canonical texts, as well as an introduction to the variety of midrashim. An appendix provides a listing of electronic resources available for the study of this field. Current bibliographies throughout the volume and full indices augment the usefulness of this important introductory text.


Richard S. Hess

Denver Seminary, Denver