Talmud class helped shape my thinking in regard to most of the sugyot analyzed below. In a few cases the pieces were prepared for other con-
gregational events: siyyum barim (fast of the first-born) and tikkun leil
Shavuot (all-night Shavuot study sessions), for example. I thank the
members of these classes for their forbearance and their contributions to
the all-important dialogue of Talmud study. I am grateful to the larger
congregational community for its support of my learning and teaching.

Once again, my secretary, Phyllis Kramer, despite the general load of
congregational work that she carries, managed to be of invaluable as-
sistance in the preparation of this manuscript. I am very grateful to her.

Equally indispensable in checking sources and helping to prepare the
final draft of this manuscript was my son Yehoshua. I am pleased that
we were able to work together on this project, and I am grateful to him
for giving up a few of his precious summer hours.

Dr. Ellen Frankel of the Jewish Publication Society is a superlative
editor. She helped me turn this manuscript into something I believe we
can both be proud of. I have learned much from her. My friend Rabbi Michael Monson, Executive Director of the Jewish Publication Society,
has always been encouraging and supportive. It is especially wonderful
to have a friend in such a position, and I have appreciated it, I hope
without abusing our friendship.

I am again grateful to my wonderful family, Annie, Tamar, Yehoshua,
and Shaul, for forgiving me a myriad of sins as I lived in the cloud-en-
shrouded twin peaks of Talmud and contemporary philosophy. I love
you all.

In all these relationships and through all their love I experience the
trace of Israel's God, and I am humbled. I gratefully give thanks and
praise God's ineffable name.

Ira F. Stone

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