Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz's groundbreaking English translation of the Babylonian Talmud marks a dramatic shift in how this foundational Jewish text can be approached by modern readers. Through comparative textual analysis of Steinsaltz's first volume on Tractate Bava Metzia against the Soncino edition and Rashi's medieval commentary, significant departures from traditional exegetical approaches emerge. Where Rashi's commentary practiced careful economy in interpretation, Steinsaltz opts for comprehensive accessibility, incorporating extensive background notes, legal decisions, and contextual material. The methodology involved close reading of specific Mishnaic passages to examine page layout, translation choices, and pedagogical strategies. While successfully replicating traditional study methods in English, Steinsaltz's edition primarily synthesizes centuries of received scholarly opinion rather than offering original interpretations. This creative compilation demonstrates sound editorial judgment in selecting relevant commentary from the vast body of Talmudic scholarship. Though departing from classical commentary traditions, Steinsaltz's work achieves unprecedented public accessibility to the Babylonian Talmud while serving as an effective educational tool for both synagogue study groups and academic institutions.