Winner of the Sami Rohr Prize & Sophie Brody Medal for Jewish Literature
At twenty-seven, alone in Jerusalem after a painful divorce, Ilana Kurshan embarked on an unexpected journey—joining daf yomi, the world’s largest book club, dedicated to studying a page of the Talmud every day. What began as a way to structure her days became a transformative experience, guiding her through heartbreak, healing, love, and motherhood.
In If All the Seas Were Ink, Kurshan blends memoir and scholarship in a deeply personal, accessible exploration of the Talmud’s wisdom. As she turns page after page, ancient teachings illuminate the patterns of her own life, revealing humor, resilience, and the power of learning.
A celebration of literature and self-discovery, this award-winning book is perfect for people of the book—both Jewish and non-Jewish alike.
