Completion of new 42-volume Talmud celebrated in honour of UK couple

A publisher in Jerusalem has celebrated the completion of a new 42-volume Talmud in honour of a British Jewish couple at a special event at Finchley United Synagogue.

Koren Publishers, together with The Steinsaltz Center, hosted a tribute event in honour of Leo and Sue Noé to celebrate the completion of The Noé Edition Koren Talmud Bavli.

Publication began in May 2011, with volumes released according to the international Daf Yomi (daily Talmud learning) schedule, and The Noé Edition Koren Talmud Bavli now takes its place as the newest edition of Talmud in the world

The project was overseen by Rabbi Dr Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, a renowned Torah scholar and clinical psychologist, while commentary is by Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz, a leading Talmud scholar.

Among those celebrating in Finchley this week were former Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks, Dayan Binstock, and Rebbetzin Lauren Levin, as well as the Av Beth Din of the European Beth Din, Dayan Chanoch Ehrentreu, and President of the United Synagogue Michael Goldstein.

• Save the date – Jewish News presents The Big Event on 17 November!  

“Sue and I feel an enormous sense of honour and pride to have completed the latest publication of the Shas, the Koren Talmud Bavli, bringing its lessons, teachings, debates and wonders accessible to all,” said Leo Noé.

The scope of the project incorporated a wide range of experts including linguists, Bible botanists, archaeologists, historians, Talmud scholars, designers, and typesetters, and used state-of-the-art technology to ensure consistency in its translation and content, and the highest quality imagery.

Unique amongst all extant editions of the Talmud to date, it features side-by-side translation, colour illustrations and maps, comprehensive explanatory notes, introductions and summaries to every volume and chapter, newly digitised fonts, and vocalised text for the original Aramaic and the commentaries of Rashi and Tosefot.

Koren publisher Matthew Miller said: “The landmark completion of the Noe Edition of the Koren Talmud Bavli is a testament to the tremendous work of both the teams at Koren and the Steinsaltz Center.”

He added: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to show our appreciation for the support of Leo and Sue Noé for this project at this wonderful evening.”