Prologue, Part One, Chapters I - IV Summary

The seventy sages of the Sanhedrin are in session, discussing the law and the interpretation of the Traditions. The Patriarch has raised a question that has been discussed many times by the sages, with no resolution. The question refers to whether or not a man should use other resources than what the Jews have been given to read or study, specifically, Greek books and letters. One rabbi rises to give an opinion that pagans offer a wisdom that fails. After he speaks, the Patriarch decides it is time for evening prayers, and once again, no decision is reached on this important and controversial subject.

Elisha, son of Abuyah and Elisheba, is born. The child's mother dies soon after childbirth, and the father is devastated. The family home is full of visitors...