Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Contents vii
3. A Note on the Title ix
4. Ac knowledgments xi
5. A Novelist Reads the Talmud An Introduction xiii
6. Timeline of Relevant Events, According to Rabbinic Tradition xxi
7. Memo One. Rabbi Yohanan (died c. 4040/279 CE) and Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish (c. 4010–4060/ second half of second century CE) 1
8. Chapter 1. Eros and Alchemy in the Waters of the Jordan 3
9. Memo Two. Rabbi Shimon bar Yohai (flourished c. 3890–3920/130–160 CE) 41
10. Chapter 2. Turning the Hearts of Fathers 44
11. Memo Three. A Rabbi Elazar ben Rabbi Shimon (flourished c. 3910/end of second century CE) 75
12. Memo Three B. Rabbi Pinhas ben Yair (first third of the third century CE) 79
13. Memo Three C. Rabbi Judah ben Gerim (c. 3910/end of second century CE) 81
14. Chapter 3. Towards the Hearts of Sons 82
15. Memo Four. Rabban Gamliel II of Yavneh (flourished 3850–3875/90–115 CE), Rabbi Joshua ben Hananiah (flourished 3850–3890/90– 130 CE), and Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus (flourished c. 3830–3945/70–185 CE) 117
16. Chapter 4. The Gate of a Broken Heart 124
17. Memo Five. Rabbi Akiva (flourished 3855–3895/ 95–135 CE), Shimon ben Azzai, Shimon ben Zoma, and Elisha ben Avuyah 169
18. Chapter 5. Revelation, Retribution, Perdition, Ecstasy, and Bliss An Epic Canvas 170
19. Endnotes 219
20. Glossary 235