‘Extra, extra!’ New book brings ancient Talmudic texts to life for readers of all ages - review

Educator, lecturer, and writer Zalman Eisentstock brings stories from the Talmud to life by providing them to readers in a “newspaper” format accompanied by cartoon drawings.

The Talmud Chronicles: Bringing Talmudic Events to Life covers significant historical events from around 100-200 CE and breathes life into characters from the Talmud. The “editions” included in this publication trace the history of the Jewish people through Ancient Rome, the Parthian Revolt, and the Bar Kochba rebellion as the sages of the time lay the foundations for the creation of the Mishnah.

An entertaining journey through topics ranging from astronomy to the Olympics

Combining real events with pockets of insightful humor, the author takes the reader on an entertaining journey through topics ranging from astronomy and archaeology to the arts and Olympic events, all set in their particular geopolitical context.

Talmud Chronicles is an ideal coffee table book. Picking it up provides an opening for learning, whether directly from its stories or through the questions that arise from reading it, which can lead to further study and/or fascinating discussions.

It appears to be aimed at both adults and children, and there is something for everyone in its varied sections, inspired by real newspapers.

TALMUD CHRONICLES: 
BRINGING TALMUDIC EVENTS TO LIFE
By Zalman Eisenstock
Urim Publications
112 pages; $35