ROBERT BROWN: I have been studying Talmud for
approximately two years through the MAQOM website. I had always
wanted to do it, and approximately two years ago, I was in my
local Barnes & Noble bookstore, and purchased a volume of
the Steinsaltz Talmud. While there, I also saw a book by Rabbi
Abrams, and got the web address for MAQOM. I have no professional
academic credentials; my interest has been motivated from curiosity
about the Talmud, and the continuing role it plays in Judaism
and Jewish culture I work at Carnegie Mellon University as a
data entry person, and do some volunteer work at the Kane Regional
Center on a monthly basis. This is my first article for MAQOM,
and I am grateful to Rabbi Abrams for her oversight and personal
encouragement throughout the project. Her faith and encouragement
have been a blessing to me throughout the project