Battle of the Two Talmuds – Judaism’s Struggle with Power, Glory, & Guilt

by Leon H. Charney and Saul Mayzlish  (Nonfiction/Religion)

Narrator: George Guidall

I consider George Guidall to be one of the best narrators available, and I am usually pleased with his performances. However, his narration of this non-fiction is too fast.  The good point about his reading is that his voice is energetic with the mildest of inflection or attitude when reading the words of certain personages.  In addition, his pronunciation of the many names of places and people associated with The Talmud is seamless and natural.

 Book Review: Battle of the Two Talmuds – Judaism’s Struggle with Power, Glory, & Guilt

I found this book to be extremely entertaining and informative. I like the many personal stories behind what became the two different versions of the Talmud. Battle of the Two Talmuds takes you inside the minds and hearts and thoughts of the writers of these texts. Some of the personal stories are humorous within their own right; others allow you to see how the commonest of disagreements were resolved and those resolutions turned into law in the Talmud. Still others are sad in ways I’ll leave you to experience for yourself.

There are discussions of close friendship and of the mutual respect of one brilliant mind for the brilliance of another. Because of all the personal history behind the creation of these Talmuds, this book is never just a dry reading of the battles surrounding these two texts. In addition, there is an abundance of references given right in the chapters; I much prefer this to footnotes. I recommend Charney and Mayzlish’s book for someone who would like further insight into the history of these writings and also for those knowledgeable enough about them to challenge or confirm much of what these two authors have outlined.

Bibliography: Battle of the Two Talmuds – Judaism’s Struggle with Power, Glory, & Guilt
by Leon H. Charney and Saul Mayzlish
Length: 6 hrs and 8 mins (unabridged)
Publisher: Leon H. CHa
Release Date: 07-16-12

A listening sample and download options of Battle of the Two Talmuds are available.