Mishnah / Talmud

A new window of understanding into the Mishnah and Gemara

This masterful work brings clarity to the study of Shas by providing concise but enlightening biographical portraits of the main Tannaim and Amoraim, with information and guidance for every level of study. It features:

• Historical background -- where and when they lived
• Biographical data -- who their rebbeim, talmidim, and relatives were
• Stories from their lives
• Explanatory notes and source references
• A helpful index, maps, and glossary
• Informative appendices for further study

An essential guide for the study of Shas!

"... a valuable reference for lomdei Torah, which will give much needed context for their studies."
-- Rav Ahron Lopiansky
Rosh HaYeshiva, Yeshiva of Greater Washington Learn More

Do you go to a shiur but don't have time for a full review? Do you want to recall what you have learned better? Are you celebrating a siyum and would like to go quickly through the messechta to recall the main points of each daf? Do you enjoy answering questions?

If so, Do You Want To Know Shas?, written by Rabbi Michoel Fletcher, in his well-known reader-friendly style, with interesting questions on each daf, is for you. Enjoy.

Rabbi Fletcher, about whom gedolei hador have written haskamos testifying to his halachic proficiency and his Torah hashkafa, is an educator of over forty years experience. He has a rare ability to communicate with young and old, the seasoned scholar and the raw beginner alike. All his sefarim on halacha and hashkafa are enjoyed throughout the Jewish world.

“My wife and I learned your sefer together. We learned hilchos brachos and it was great for our shalom bayis. Thank you.” (Y.M. Brooklyn) “Our family learned your sefer every week at Shalosh Seudos. We all enjoyed it and we just made a siyum!” (L.B. Lakewood) Learn More

"I thought I understood the Gemara during the shiur, but when I try to review it on my own, I can't."

Despite the great resurgence of Torah learning today, many of us still find it difficult, often because we were never properly taught how to understand the Gemara.

This guide was designed to give you a basic understanding of how the Gemara works, as well as important tips to help you succeed in your learning. You will begin to recognize that the Gemara operates according to a logical system and learn to appreciate that every step of the Gemara is necessary and occupies an important place in the “big picture”.

Therefore What? can help you reach your goal of “learning how to learn”. Learn More

This motivational and scholarly work culls from a wide range of Talmudic, halachic, and ethical literature. It clarifies the core values and attitudes relating to the importance of Torah study, and how Torah is the ultimate tool to elevate the human being and bring him closer to Hashem. With extensive English footnotes and Hebrew source notes, this volume will be enjoyed by the student and scholar alike.

In the words of a contemporary rosh yeshiva: “Ascent to Greatness was written to strengthen English speaking bnei Torah in their limud Torah. Based on the teachings of Chazal and Torah sages of the generations, the author has properly explained many important concepts related to Torah study and spiritual growth which every ben-Torah must know.”

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