The wisdom of the great religious teachers in classical Judaic thought is signalized in this landmark examination of the ancient texts that form the basis for the rabbinic code of ethics and conduct of daily life. This book bestows its riches on students and general readers interested in religious history and rabbinic thought and belief. The author gives us a picture of the men, the world and the intellectual ferment that produced the Talmud and Midrach, as well as a systematic account of the rabbis' social and religious thought. It is a literary tapestry, interweaving Biblical quotations, rabbinic dicta and the author's comments, analysis and discussion.