" . . . a fascinating and thought-provoking book . . . " ?The Jewish Quarterly"The best introduction to the talmudic literature that is available. . . . An extraordinarily important book, brilliant, and lucid." ?Daniel Boyarin"Menachem Fisch has written a rich, thoughtful book. One will come away from Rational Rabbis with a deeper understanding of just what the Talmud is." ?Hilary PutnamTalmudic culture is often viewed as bound by its traditions. Menachem Fisch maintains that a close reading of talmudic texts frequently reveals their authors as rabbis who, rather than conform uncritically to tradition, knowingly set out to expose and resolve problems inherent in the received traditions.