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The layout of the Talmud, one of the most important Jewish texts, has remained virtually unchanged since its earliest days in print. What part did Daniel Bomberg — a Christian printer in Venice — play in its publication, what’s behind the concept of “daf yomi” (reading a page of Talmud a day) and why has the Talmud’s graphic design not changed for generations? After watching the video, use the prompts below to learn more and get your students thinking.
“Jewish institutions often have a religious “Atkins” approach to Jewish learning, in which the Talmud is the sole focus of the learning experience. Talmud is the protein. However, there is a need for a healthy diet of Jewish education which includes Talmud, Midrash, Jewish thought, Tanakh, Jewish history and Israel education. Even still, at the end of the day, Talmud is the protein of Jewish education and everybody needs their protein.”
Why do you think the Talmud study might be the “protein” of Jewish learning?