The Talmud is important because it sets forth the law and theology of Judaism in its authoritative statement, continuing for centuries to attract commentators and forming the curriculum for the culture of Judaism. In these pages, important and representative compositions afford an encounter with this classic, ancient document in its own terms and framework, but in English translation. Examples include the following:

Law: "An Eye for an Eye" Bavli Baba Qamma 8:1/83b-84b; "In the case of anything of which I am liable to take care, I am deemed to render possible whatever damage it may do" Bavli Baba Qamma 1:2/9b-11a; "He who steals food and feeds what he stole to his children, or left it to them ‹ they are exempt from making restitution" Bavli Baba Qamma 10:1/111B-113a; "Atoning through the death penalty" Bavli Sanhedrin 6:2/42b-44a

Theology: "All Israel has a portion in the world to come" Bavli Sanhedrin 11:1-2/90a-92a; "When will the Messiah come?" Bavli Sanhedrin 11:1-2/96b-99a; "By that same measure by which a man metes out to others, with that measure do they mete out to him" Bavli Sotah 1:7-9/9b-14a

Narratives: "The law concerning the usurping occupant:" Adapting to historical events, the destruction of the second Temple in particular Bavli Gittin 5:6/55B-57b; "My master in wisdom, and my disciple in accepting my rulings:" Resolving Conflict in the Law Bavli Rosh Hashanah 2:8-9/25A-25B