To mark the Siyum HaShas – the completion of the cycle of "Daf Yomi" Talmud learning throughout the world – Arutz Sheva's Yoni Kempinski interviewed Rav Adin Steinsalz, whose commentary project enabled many to enter the Daf Yomi learning cycle.

A man described as a teacher, philosopher, social critic, author, revered spiritual leader, innovator, legendary Talmudic scholar, pioneer and spiritual mentor, Rav Steinsalz has devoted his life to making the Talmud accessible to all.

Rabbi Steinsaltz has dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge culminating in the monumental translation and commentary of the Babylonian Talmud into modern vernacular. At the same time, he published over 60 books on a variety of subjects ranging from Jewish mysticism to zoology, set up a network of educational institutions in Israel and the former Soviet Union, and traveled the world lecturing in communities from Virginia to Vladivostok.

Originally published in modern Hebrew, with a running commentary to facilitate learning, his Steinzaltz edition of the Talmud has also been translated into English, French, Russian and Spanish. The first four volumes of the complete English edition appeared in May 2012.

Rav Steinsaltz holds honorary degrees from Yeshiva University, Ben Gurion University, Bar Ilan University, and Brandeis University, and is a recipient of the Israel Prize and Israel’s President’s Prize, the country’s highest honors