Fresh Fruit & Vintage Wine: Ethics and Wisdom of the Aggada

Halakha (principles of Jewish law) and Aggada (commentaries on issues of theology, philosophy, ethics, and psychology) are often treated separately, with the contemporary emphasis on the former. Noting that this bias was not always the case historically, Rabbi Blau (Yeshivat Shvilei Hatorah, Jerusalem) presents an integrated perspective on these complementary aspects of the Talmud. The text is organized topically rather than by location in the Talmud, with erudite but accessible interpretations of themes ranging from prayer and festivals to modernity and leadership. Brief bibliographies of selected rabbis cited are included. Annotation 2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)