This course aims to introduce participants to the style, structure and content of the Babylonian Talmud – a body of literature that Jews have been studying (and defending) for over a thousand years. By looking at a series of passages of increasing complexity, we will aim to better understand both the purpose of the text and the nature of engagement with it. No previous knowledge is required, and English translations will be provided.

About the facilitator

Simon Holloway

Facilitator

Dr Simon Holloway is Manager of Community and Corporate Programs at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum and a sessional lecturer at Melbourne University, where he teaches Early Rabbinic Interpretation of the Hebrew Bible. In the evenings, Simon divides his time between the Talmud and the writings of JRR Tolkien, subjecting his children to both in roughly equal measure.