The article discusses the question of whether studying Torah takes precedence over other important obligations in Judaism.

The author reflects on his experience of studying Talmud and the pursuit of understanding its intricacies.

Literary critic Adam Kirsch is engaging with the Talmud through the Daf Yomi cycle, focusing on Tractate Avodah Zarah which discusses laws against idolatry.

The discussion explores a Mishnah from Negaim, focusing on the diagnosis oftzaraat, a skin condition, in Jewish textual tradition.

Literary critic Adam Kirsch reflects on reading a page of the Talmud daily and highlights the dual portrayal of rabbis within its text.