We gratefully acknowledge the many teachers, friends and colleagues, without whom this work could not have come to fruition. First, our publisher, Tzvi Mauer of Urim Publications, whose unfailing moral support, patience and technical guidance were critical from beginning to end; Sorelle Wachmann, for her devoted attention to the editing and layout of the manuscript; Anne Gordon, whose generous and astute editorial assistance was indispensable; and Emma Corney, for her diligent proofreading.
Next, our teachers: it would be impossible to list all who have so brilliantly and passionately given their Torah to us, illumined our minds and hearts, and made us what we are. Among those who have especially taught us what it means to be a true talmidat hakham (“student of the wise,” i.e., Torah scholar), we gratefully thank Chana Balanson z”l, Nechama Leibowitz z”l, Malke Binah, Tamar Ross and Avivah Gottlieb Zornberg. Finally, we give thanks to the One who is mentioned countless times in the pages of this book and to whom we owe the greatest debt of all: HaKadosh Barukh Hu, The Holy One Blessed be He.