Structure and Form

First published 1991

This book attempts to uncover the basic form and structure of the Babylonian Talmud, which is a centrally important text in Jewish studies. The contribution made by Dr Jacobs to the study of the Talmud consists in his presentation of the literary principles employed in its composition, and he here presents a clear survey indicating the manner in which earlier material was reworked in order to make each component, or sugya, into a carefully structured and self-consistent unit. Jacobs compares the editors’ methods in this regard with the manner in which Shakespeare converted the variety of chronicles and source material available to him into a much more dramatic literary form, which – while preserving the kernel of the story – completely transformed its character and impact. Dr Jacobs’ study constitutes an excellent introduction to the Babylonian Talmud and to the nature of rabbinic thinking.

• Innovative study of the Babylonian Talmud, one of the fundamental texts of Judaism and Jewish studies
• The author is very well known, both as a scholar (and writer of earlier CUP book The Talmudic Argument), and as a spokesperson for British Reformed Judaism, in which he is widely considered a leading light and authority
• Written in a lucid, non-technical style, which should lead to interest from individual scholars and non-specialists.

Published reviews of Structure and Form in the Babylonian Talmud

This book attempts to uncover the basic form and structure of the Babylonian Talmud, which is a centrally important text in Jewish studies. The contribution made by Dr Jacobs to the study of the Talmud consists in his presentation of the literary principles employed in its composition, and he here presents a clear survey indicating the manner in which earlier material was reworked in order to make each component, or sugya, into a carefully structured and self-consistent unit. Jacobs compares the editors’ methods in this regard with the manner in which Shakespeare converted the variety of chronicles and source material available to him into a much more dramatic literary form, which – while preserving the kernel of the story – completely transformed its character and impact. Dr Jacobs’ study constitutes an excellent introduction to the Babylonian Talmud and to the nature of rabbinic thinking.

Review of ‘Structure and Form in the Babylonian Talmud’ by Robert Goldenberg