The third part of David's series, Unorthodox Episodes from the Talmud, explores a fascinating series of interconnected stories involving:

- a high-level international diplomatic mission, 
- undercover rabbinical espionage,
- a cast of remarkable Talmudic rabbinical figures,
- parental concern,
- a curious question of Jewish law,
- the mystical powers of the rabbis, 
- a sighting of looted treasures from the temple in Jerusalem,
- and a quest to overturn devastating Roman decrees.

David discusses key Talmudic personalities from the first two centuries, including:

- Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai
- Rabbi Yossi Ben Halafta
- Rabbi Reuben Ben Strobilus
- Rabbi Yossi HaGellili
- Rabbi Eleizer Ben Yossi.

He also provides historical context for the events discussed in the Talmudic passages, some of the prevailing cultural and religious norms of the time, and the messages that arise from this unorthodox episode of the Talmud.

This is the final lecture of a four-part series presented via Zoom for Caulfield Shule in 2020 as part of its scholar-in-residence program. Other talks in the series can be found here:

Part 1: https://youtu.be/8zaxjJMz-kg
Part 2: https://youtu.be/_esEYmeM1VQ
Part 4: https://youtu.be/0qKQY3zN3ko

David is also renowned for his Jewish history lecture, The Whole of Jewish History in One Hour https://youtu.be/GUlM2a2tsOM

A video recording of David's lecture The Whole of the Bible in One Hour can be found here https://youtu.be/qIu_iZzuTfM

Find more of David Solomon's podcast, with dozens of lectures on Jewish history, the Bible, Jewish philosophy, and Kabbalah at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPZc8ZC7r568Er1pwL8ZiLbU1tV6PFf4L

Learn more at davidsolomon.online

Images used in this video

Youtube cover – comprising images below and a picture of David by Stephan Rohl under CC licensing http://www.stephan-roehl.de​

Large image: A Controversy Whatsoever on Talmud, Carl Schleicher. Public domain.