An excerpt from a farbrengen on Parshas Mishpatim 5745 (abridged):
“Now is a time to point out how it is not customary to learn the Klolei Halimud in yeshivos, but this causes one to have faulty learning and discussion due to a lack of learning the Klolei Halimud (rules) beforehand. Even my own teachers didn’t teach the Klolei Halimud. I only saw them many years later. Then I saw that there are rules listed there that are important before learning Gemara in order that the learning be done properly. It is sad that no one has paid attention to this in the Yeshivos.
When I checked and asked why they don’t learn these rules (the Klolei Halimud) in Yeshivos, I am given two answers:
(1) The Klolei Halimud are printed in the back of Masechta Brachos. When do they learn Masechta Brachos in Yeshiva? Masechta Brachos are learnt by Baalei Batim who learn Ein Yaakov. Shoemakers, Tailors and Simple Laborers who have hard work (with little time to learn), come to shul and learn Ein Yaakov between Mincha and Maariv beginning with Masechta Brachos. Yeshivos learn the three Bovos (considered advanced Masechtas) and the cycle of 7 Masechtas but not Masechta Brachos.
(2) Yeshivos rely that the students will learn the Klolei HaLimud on their own as needed and therefore there’s no need to learn the Klolei HaTalmud which isn’t in the Gemara itself and not even explained by the Rabannan Savorai, but only introduced in later generations.
However, we see clearly that without learning the Klolei HaLimud, one is bound to make mistakes, even in simple matters.”
The Visual Introduction to Gemara is a visual presentation of the Klolei HaShas portrayed through the history and makeup of the Talmud in story format with clear examples, a photo essay with discussion supported by rare photographs, charts and a wealth of information.
Gemara is studied heavily in the yeshiva system, yet much of the way the Gemara works is taken for granted and not studied. Many students find Gemara frustrating or they study Gemara out of obedience. A big part of this stems from a poor understanding of the rules and the background behind the Gemara as well as the Gemara’s historical importance as the central link of Torah Sheba’al Peh. A thorough knowledge of the Klolei Halimud is key to succeeding in Gemara and yeshiva.
The Visual Introduction to Gemara is an amazing resource for the Klolei Halimud and helps students succeed at Gemara and in yeshiva. Students who learn through the Visual Introduction to Gemara will discover a different appreciation and a better understanding of Gemara making Gemara a positive experience.
To learn more and order, visit https://www.torah4children.com/store/Visual-Introduction-to-Gemara-For-Young-And-Old-Hardcover-p141899076 or the Crown Heights Judaica stores.
Thank you!!!