"A Metallurgical Gemara" is the first in-depth exploration of evidence of the use of metals and related technologies within the classic Jewish literary sources. Levenes expertise in Semitic languages and Jewish studies and Rothenbergs unique understanding and knowledge of the history of metallurgy combine to produce this unique interdisciplinary research. Their work brings to light the extent to which metal work was part of the lives of the Israelites of antiquity and the Jews of the late antique and medieval worlds. But this book is more than just an analysis of technical aspects; it traces the place of the metallurgical motif in these peoples lives and folklore, and explores the ancient concepts regarding the nature of matter as expressed through the prism of their religious world view.