Arthur E Helft M D

Talmudic Insults and Curses Expanded Edition Arthur E Helft M D

This volume presents instances of discussions and disagreements between Sages of the Talmud called Amoraim, who from about 200 to 500 CE, while living in Babylonia and in Israel, explained and clarified earlier teachings of the oral law by Sages called Tannaim. These Tannaitic teachings were compiled by Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi in approximately 200 CE. Surprisingly, the disputes between Amoraim at times involved insulting language, rebukes, hostility, name calling, and even curses, while they argued over fine points of the law. Many authorities believe that insults and curses could not possibly be part of the Rabbinic vocabulary, and they therefore attempt to explain hostile exchanges of dialogue in a positive light. Yet, it is just this language, presented here for the first time that brings to life and illuminates the personalities of these great Talmudic scholars.