Talmud Study, Where to start

Question

I would like to start to study Talmud, BUT do not know how, where to start. My Jewish training is basicall non-existant. I learnt how to read the Hebrew words in the Siddur, Machzor, and Chumash - - - But do not know what they mean unless I read the translation on the adjacent page. AND then I only understand the meaning of the whole and not the parts. I sort of learnt to daven when I said Kaddish in honor of my Dad when he died twenty-five plus years ago. I continue to read. I continue to seek out info and I am much more knowledgable that many Jews I am around and in contact with. I still want to learn about Talmud and learn what is in it. HOW - WHERE - WHO do I learn??

Answer 1

If you can't find a partner with which to study, or prefer to go it alone, I recommend the ArtScroll Talmud. Its translation and explanatory notes are excellent.

In terms of which tractate to start with, traditionally, children are initiated into Talmud study with the 2nd chapter of Bava Metzia, which deals with the laws of returning lost objects.

Starting from the very beginning, ie. Berachos, which deals with various laws of prayer, is a fine choice as well.

Answer 2

I am hardly an expert, but was once in a situation similar to yours. I agree with the other respondents that finding someone knowledgeable to work with one-on-one, or in a small group, is ideal. Larger groups don't tend to work as well.

No matter who you study with, though, it might be valuable to get your feet wet with Mishna first. Mishnayot are generally fairly straightforward and can give you a gentle introduction to the scope of the Oral Law. They are in Hebrew, which will help build your vocabulary more quickly, and you can easily work through a whole tractate in a reasonable amount of time.

There are several good Mishna translations, with commentary, in English (such as the Pinchas Kehati editions).

Just some food for thought.

Answer 3

I echo Isaac's suggestions. The best way is to study with someone one-on-one if you can find someone to study with you. Beginners classes are also a good idea. Even still, I recommend suplementing studying in a class or partner, or an english transaltion with review time. The second time you see the same words it becomes easier and easier. I also recommend getting a talmud you don't mind writing in, or photocopying a page of Talmud and marking it up with punctuation, vowels, and translation until you can clearly read it.

But, for starters, try to find a partner to study with you.

Answer 4

Your best bet is to find a teacher who will learn with you one-on-one. That way, he/she will be able to gauge what you understand already and how your understanding grows. One way to find such a person would be to ask your Rabbi if he could learn with you or if he knows someone appropriate. Depending on where you live, there may also be local adult education or outreach organizations that could provide a referral.

Another possibility is to sign up with a program that will set you up with a phone study partner. Partners in Torah is one such organization that I know of. The advantage is that you're not bound by geography in finding a partner. The disadvantage is that you're studying over the phone, which is a cramped communication channel, compared to face-to-face.

A third option would be to find a beginner's Talmud class to attend. Again, your Rabbi or a local congregation or adult education / outreach organization may offer one. One issue to be aware of is that some of these classes are more oriented toward building skills, while others are more about spoonfeeding the material to participants. So, if you're particularly interested in the former, make sure that that's what you're getting.

Finally, no matter what route you go, one book that should prove invaluable is the Practical Talmud Dictionary, by R' Yitzhak Frank. It's perfect for beginners because it presents phrases as they're actually found in the Talmud and explains what they really mean, in context. I have used mine a great deal.

Good luck!

Answer 5

From this Mishnah in Avot it seems you should have five years of training in Tanach and five in Mishnah before you begin Talmud at all. I'm not sure why it isn't practiced in our education system today. But these numbers were given for a child, possibly for an adult it would be less.

Answer 6

You could also download lectures - usually from the Daf Yomi program - which explain the Gemara in some detail.

One site with many links to such sites is http://dafyomi.co.il/central.htm#videoaudio

Answer 7

Go to a yeshiva, of course that depends on where you live (and not how old are you) in a yeshiva the rav there will get to know you and find what is more suitable for you, either classes or havruta, ideally when people to to a yeshiva they live there, but depending on you age or level of commitment you can afford (time wise not money) you can go for a couple of hours each day (or once, twice a week)

Of course maybe you live in a city that don't have any yeshivot, If this is the case you are living in the wrong place, you really should move. As a temporary solution you could start analyzing other options like phone havruta, learning alone with Artscroll or online shiurim.

Of course it's harder this way and it takes more time.

You could also spend a year (or a couple or months depending on you vacation time) in Israel as a starter to your studying. This is the best way to learn how to learn.

Answer 8

pirkei avoth. Its significantly easier, fun and useful. Although it is not considered to have the 'heft' of other parts of the talmud and is concerned with ethical apothegms (as opposed to the rich minutia and argumentative process associated with Jewish Law), it is still Talmud. Start here and then follow some of the suggestions above.