The Talmud and the Internet by Jonathan Rosen, is an extremely interesting book, taking on the facets of faith and modern technology in ar constantly changing world.

The theme of “Wandering Jew” is predominant throughout the pages of The Talmud and the Internet, as Rosen weaves between the varied worlds of Judaism, beginning before the Temple’s destruction, through World War II, and to current times. Although the worlds are diverse and often filled with displacement, the similarities are also noted by Rosen, along with a sense of connection to the world and other Jews.

The Talmud was written by Jews, and within that context they became the “People of the Book”, as they were in a constant state of displacement and continuing evolution. Rosen believes that the Internet is similar in that respect, as one can wander in and out of the internet through research and searching, and feel the displacement that the Jews felt during their journeys throughout the centuries. Yet, one can also feel connected to other Jews, within the realm of the Internet, and can feel connected to the Jewish community as a whole, or in part, in the ever evolving worlds of both Talmud and Internet.

I bought this book in 2000, and much has changed regarding the Internet, in the eight years since. The Internet is in a constant state of evolution, much like the Jews were and still are.

One can enrich their lives through the evolving doors. Whatever amount of knowledge one wants to gain, one can, by weaving in and out of Internet sites, the same way one can move through the pages of Talmud. The contrasts, in that aspect, is strikingly similar.

Some readers might feel that the book delves more into the Talmud than it does the Internet, and Rosen acknowledges that, before the book begins: “I spend more time discussing the Talmud than I do addressing the Internet, but though proficient in neither I am a child of both and I have set down some of the stories – ancient and modern, private and public – that help me make sense of the multiple worlds I have inherited”.

I won’t delve into the book further, as it will give away much of its content if I do. You will just have to read it for yourself.

We come to learn about Jonathan Rosen and his dedication to the Talmud, and his thoughts on the Internet as a force comparable to the Talmud. The Talmud and the Internet might be short on pages, but is is long on thought and semantics relating to displacement, faith, knowledge and Judaism. As we read and search, not all is at it appears, and external appearances can be deceiving in the ever-changing internet world, where much information is pushed under the surface. In my opinion, it is a metaphor for our connection to the world of Judaism during modern times, whether through reading Talmud or through the Internet resources available to us, or both.

I personally own and have read this book.
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Jew Wishes…Peace to you all.
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