True disagreements are hard to achieve, and even harder to maintain, for the ghost of final agreement constantly haunts them. The Babylonian Talmud, however, escapes from that ghost of agreement, and provokes unsettling questions: Are there any conditions under which disagreement might constitute a genuine relationship between minds? Are disagreements always only temporary steps toward final agreement? Must a community of disagreement always imply agreement, as in an agreement to disagree? What is Talmud? rethinks the task of philological, literary, historical, and cultural analysis of the Talmud. It introduces an aspect of this task that has best been approximated by the philosophical, anthropological, and ontological interrogation of human being in relationship to the Other-whether animal, divine, or human. In both engagement and disengagement with post-Heideggerian traditions of thought, Sergey Dogopolski complements philological-historical and cultural approaches to the Talmud with a rigorous anthropological, ontological, and Talmudic inquiry. He redefines the place of the Talmud and its study, both traditional and academic, in the intellectual map of the West, arguing that Talmud is a scholarly art of its own and represents a fundamental intellectual discipline, not a mere application of logical, grammatical, or even rhetorical arts for the purpose of textual hermeneutics. In Talmudic intellectual art, disagreement is a fundamental category. What Is Talmud? rediscovers disagreement as the ultimate condition of finite human existence or co-existence.

Legends of Old Testament Characters, from the Talmud and Other Sources by S. Baring-Gould is a fascinating exploration of the rich tapestry of legends and traditions surrounding the characters of the Old Testament. Drawing from the Talmud and various other ancient sources, this book offers a compelling collection of stories and interpretations that illuminate the lives and significance of these biblical figures. Baring-Gould meticulously compiles and examines the myriad legends associated with Old Testament characters, providing readers with a deeper understanding of their historical and cultural contexts. The book delves into lesser-known narratives and interpretations that have evolved over centuries, offering fresh insights into familiar biblical stories. Each chapter focuses on a different character, presenting a blend of traditional and esoteric tales that reveal new dimensions of their stories. Baring-Gould's scholarship brings these ancient legends to life, highlighting their enduring relevance and the ways in which they have shaped religious and cultural thought throughout history. Legends of Old Testament Characters is an invaluable resource for students of religious studies, biblical scholars, and anyone interested in the deeper layers of Old Testament lore. Baring-Gould's erudite approach and engaging prose make this book a significant contribution to the study of biblical legends and their impact on Jewish and Christian traditions.