Which Talmud-edition to buy?

Question

What Talmud-edition is advisable for a simple baalbayit, who is trying to make his way through the Gemara. I am aware of the Schottenstein-edition and its adavantages, but I mean an edition without translation. What size do you need if you still want to be able to read your Rashi when you're 90?

I have the same question for beginners level Tur and Shulchan Aruch.

related for Shulchan Aruch: https://judaism.stackexchange.com/questions/40881/buying-a-shulchan-aruch and https://judaism.stackexchange.com/questions/85591/difference-between-two-sets-of-the-tur — mbloch, Jun 12 '23 at 15:24
I believe that sadly steinzaltz is the largest font and volume size talmud out there, thus, especially for a 90 year old, I would recommend that among a slue of other reasons — Dr. Shmuel, Jun 13 '23 at 09:00
I wouldn't ignore the value of getting smaller sets. There are several "peninim" 6 volume Gemaras with just Rashi+Tosfos that are handy for reference especially as a beginner. The Mir Edition Shulchan Aruch is just 10 volumes, and there are smaller ones with just the Baer Hetev; more useful than one would think and avoiding the excesses of a 30+ volume set. — Meir Luria, Jun 15 '23 at 09:22

mbloch · Answer 1 · 2023-06-13T05:35:25.647

The best recommendation is always to go to a seforim store and see what you like, there are so many criteria that one person's preference might not work for you. Personally I find that I learn best from full-size editions especially when trying to access the commentaries which are nearly always in smaller font. But your mileage may vary depending on your sight.

This being said, if helpful to you, you could consider an edition with vowels and punctuations such as Oz Vehadar's which are full-size. They also exist in an edition with mefarshim (e.g., Rosh, Rif, Ran) which has been printed on many but not all volumes yet.

For Tur and Shulchan Aruch see related answers here and there. Personally I have a full SA but only buy the Tur (Friedmann or Machon Yerushalayim) in areas I learn in depth.

In truth I don't know - there are six pages of introduction in small font on that topic only ... seems like a very deep science — mbloch, Jun 13 '23 at 05:32

score -1 · Answer 2 · answered Jun 12 '23 at 15:00

-1

I would suggest either the Steinsaltz (full size) or the Chavruta (full size and most mesechtot are multi-volume)

answered Jun 12 '23 at 15:00

steve nachman

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Shmuel, I don't follow your comment as I did not suggest the Schottenstein edition. – steve nachman Jun 12 '23 at 20:40
@Shmuel There is a Hebrew-edition R Steinsaltz edition of the Talmud, different from Schottenstein, that the OP is referring to – mbloch Jun 13 '23 at 05:33
I was confused somehow and did not saw your answer correctly :) my apologies – Shmuel Jun 13 '23 at 16:01
Shmuel, no worries, and the large Hebrew version that mbloch referred to is what I had in mind – steve nachman Jun 13 '23 at 20:05

Which Talmud-edition to buy?

2 Answers2