Introduction to Jewish Law in Talmudic Times

This book is an English translation of Albeck's important work, מבוא למשפט העברי בימי התלמוד, which first appeared in Hebrew in 1999, published by Bar-Ilan University Press.

This volume presents an explanation and analysis of the principles of the Talmudic legal system, garnered from Talmudic discussions and debates regarding inter-personal laws. The author clarifies, in simple language and with numerous examples, the inner logic underlying Talmudic discussions of the laws governing human social behavior.

The book examines the outlook of Talmudic scholars regarding the purpose of Halakhah and law; the nature of the law Courts; custom and usage; the relationship of Jewish law to Gentile legal systems; the relationship between law and ethics; and the relationship between public law and private law. Likewise, the book describes how the Oral Law was transmitted, the creation and consolidation of Oral Literature, its editing and purpose.

Most of the book is devoted to clarifying the main concepts of property law and obligations; agency and inheritance; the law of torts; criminal law; and the law of evidence, as revealed during the period that Jewish law was redacted by the Sages for all future generations.

This volume will be of interest to all those who pursue knowledge in the fields of Talmud, law and theology.