Rabbinic literature offers two distinct approaches for study. The quantitative or horizontal method emphasizes breadth, allowing scholars to cover a wide range of texts without delving deeply into their more complex meanings. This approach provides a general overview and encourages familiarity with a larger corpus of material.

In contrast, the qualitative or vertical method focuses on a single area of study, immersing the scholar in one topic until it is thoroughly understood before moving on to new subjects. This deeper exploration facilitates a more profound grasp of the literature’s nuances and implications, yielding richer insights.