The most important text in Judaism after the Old Testament- available for the first time in Penguin Classics 'O my God, guard my tongue from evil and my lips from uttering guile' The Talmud is one of the most significant religious texts in the world, second only to the Bible in its importance to Judaism. As the Bible is the word of God, the Talmud applies that word to the lives of its followers. In a range of styles including commentary, parables, proverbs and anecdotes, it provides guidance on all aspects of everyday life, from ownership to commerce to relationships. This selection of its most illumination passages makes accessible the centuries of Jewish thought with the Talmud. Norman Solomon's clear translation from the Bavli (Babylonian Talmud) is a accompanied by an introduction on its arrangement, social and historical background, reception and authors. This edition also includes suggested further reading, appendices of background information, a glossary, timeline, maps and indexes.