Daf Reviews

The Schottenstein edition of Talmud Bavli is even more voluminous than just an original Hebrew/Aramaic edition because the English translation and commentaries expand it's bulk tremendously. Some tractates only fit into four volumes. I am reviewing volume one of Berachos because this is where the daf yomi cycle begins. Of course, the Talmud has no official beginning but the daf yomi cycle has to start somplace. The review applies to the entire Schottenstein edition, however. This edition of Talmud includes a translation with the literally translated words in bold type and additional words, in context, in regular type. Thus, you can see how brief and at times, enigmatic, the original wording can be. However, this particu;ar translation, as put into context, is easier to understand. There are numerous footnotes, some pages are almost completely footnoted, which offer insights into the text. These footnotes are in the great tradition of commentary which surround the text in the original Hebrew version. The original Hebrew, with it's commentary is reproduced completely here.

This is not light reading. It requires thought and it is best to spend plenty of time with the commentary. Additionally, it is best to study with others including someone who is more advanced in understanding. Such study should involve discussion. If you make the effort (and it indeed requires an effort) the rewards are many.