Midrash (Hebrew: מדרש; plural midrashim, lit. "study") is a Hebrew term referring to the not exact, but comparative (homiletic) method of exegesis (hermeneutic) of Biblical texts, which is one of four methods cumulatively called Pardes. Homiletics ( Gr homiletikos, from homilos, to assemble together in Theology the application of the general principles of Rhetoric Exegesis (from the Greek 'to lead out' involves an extensive and critical interpretation of an authoritative text, especially of a Holy Hermeneutics may be described as the development and study of Theories of the interpretation and understanding of texts The Pardes typology describes four different approaches to Biblical Exegesis in rabbinic Judaism (or - simpler - interpretation of text in The term midrash can also refer to a compilation of homiletic teachings (commentaries) on the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), in the form of legal and ritual (Halakha) and legendary, moralizing, folkloristic, and anecdotal (Haggadah) parts. See also Old testament, Septuagint, Targum, Peshitta The Tanakh (תַּנַ"ךְ (taˈnax or; also Tenakh or Tenak is Halakha ( הלכה; alternative transliterations include Halocho and Halacha) is the collective body of Jewish Religious law The Haggadah (הגדה is a Jewish religious text that sets out the order of the Passover Seder.
- The Midrash is mostly derived from, and based upon, the teachings of the Tannaim:
Contents |
Methodology
According to the Pardes system of exegesis (interpretation), the approach to understand Biblical texts in Judaism is realized through peshat (literal meaning, lit. word /š n/ and /t n/ --> Rabbinic literature, in its broadest sense can mean the entire spectrum of Rabbinic writings throughout Jewish history The Mishnah or Mishna (he משנה "repetition" from the verb shanah he שנה or "to study and review" is a major work of Rabbinic Judaism The Tosefta ( Aramaic: תוספתא is a secondary compilation of the Jewish oral law from the period of the Mishnah. The Jerusalem Talmud or Talmud Yerushalmi (תַּלְמוּד יְרוּשָׁלְמִי often the Yerushalmi for short is a collection The Talmud ( Hebrew: he תַּלְמוּד is a record of Rabbinic discussions pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, customs and history The minor tractates (Hebrew מסכתות קטנות masechtot qetanot) are essays from the Tannaitic period or later dealing with topics about which no formal The Midrashim are mostly derived from and based upon the teachings of the Tannaim: Mekhilta or Mekilta ( Hebrew: מכילתא) is the Halakic midrash to the Book of Exodus. The Mekhilta de-Rabbi Shimon ( Hebrew: מכילתא דרבי שמעון בר יוחאי) is a Halakic midrash on Exodus from the school of Sifra ( Aramaic: סִפְרָא) is the Halakic midrash to Leviticus. Sifre ( סִפְרֵי siphrēy, Sifre Sifrei, also Sifre debe Rab or Sifre Rabbah) refers to either of two Sifre Zutta ( Hebrew: ספרי זוטא) is a Midrash on the Book of Numbers. The Mekhilta le-Sefer Devarim ( Hebrew: מכילתא לספר דברים) is a Halakic midrash to Deuteronomy from the school of Rabbi Ishmael The Baraita of Rabbi Ishmael ( Hebrew: ברייתא דרבי ישמאל) is a Baraita which explains the 13 rules of R Aggadah ( Aramaic אגדה tales lore pl Aggadot or (Ashkenazi Aggados) refers to the homiletic and non-legalistic exegetical Seder Olam Rabbah ( Hebrew: סדר עולם רבה) is the earliest post-exilic chronicle preserved in the Hebrew language. Alphabet of Akiba ben Joseph, or Otiot (Midrash Aggadah de-Rabbi Akiba ( Hebrew: אותיות דרבי עקיבא) is the title of a Midrash The Baraita of the Forty-nine Rules ( Hebrew: ברייתא מ"ט מדות) is a work of Rabbinical literature which is no longer in existence except The Baraita on the Thirty-two Rules or Baraita of R Eliezer ben Jose ha-Gelili is a Baraita giving the 32 hermeneutic rules according to which the Bible is interpreted Baraita on the Erection of the Tabernacle is a Baraita cited several times by Hai Gaon, by Nathan ben Jehiel in the Aruk, as well as in Genesis Rabba ( Bereshit Rabba in Hebrew: בראשית רבה) is a religious text from Judaism 's classical period The Midrash on Lamentations or Eichah (Lamentations Rabbah ( Hebrew: מדרש איכה רבה) like Bereshit Rabbah and the Pesikta de-Rab Kahana ( Hebrew: פסיקתא דרב כהנא) is a collection of Aggadic midrash which exists in two editions those of Solomon Buber Esther Rabbah ( Hebrew: אסתר רבה) is the Midrash to the Book of Esther in the current Midrash editions Midrash Iyyob ( Hebrew: מדרש איוב) or Midrash to Job is an Aggadic midrash that is no longer extent Leviticus Rabbah, Vayikrah Rabbah, or Wayikra Rabbah is a homiletic Midrash to the Biblical book of Leviticus ( Vayikrah in Hebrew Seder Olam Zutta ( Hebrew: סדר עולם זוטא) is an anonymous chronicle called "Zuṭa" (= "smaller" or "younger" to distinguish Midrash Tanhuma ( Hebrew: מדרש תנחומא) is the name given to three different collections of Pentateuch Haggadot; two are extant while Megillat Antiochus (מגילת אנטיוכוס - "The Scroll of Antiochus " also "Megillat HaHashmonaim" or "Megillat Hanukkah" is a work recounting Avot de-Rabbi Nathan (אבות דרבי נתן) usually printed together with the Minor tractates of the Talmud, is a Jewish Aggadic work probably Pirke De-Rabbi Eliezer ( Aramaic: פרקי דרבי אליעזר) is a Aggadic-midrashic work on Genesis, part of Exodus, and a few Tanna Devei Eliyahu ( Hebrew: תנא דבי אליהו; alternate Transliterations include Tana D'vei Eliyahu and Tana D'vei Eliahu The Alphabet of Ben-Sira ( Alphabetum Siracidis, Othijoth ben Sira) is an anonymous Medieval text attributed to Ben Sira (Sirach the author Ecclesiastes Rabbah or Kohelet Rabbah ( קהלת רבה) is an Haggadic commentary on Ecclesiastes, included in the collection of the Midrash Shir ha-Shirim Rabbah ( Hebrew: שיר השירים רבה) is a Haggadic midrash on Canticles, quoted by Rashi under the title "Midrash Deuteronomy Rabbah ( Hebrew: דברים רבה) is an Aggadic midrash or homiletic commentary on the Book of Deuteronomy. Pesikta Rabbati ( Hebrew: פסיקתא רבתי) is a collection of Aggadic Midrash (homilies on the Pentateuchal and prophetic lessons Midrash Samuel ( Hebrew: מדרש שמואל) a Haggadic midrash on the Books of Samuel, is quoted for the first time by Rashi in Midrash Proverbs ( Hebrew: מדרש משלי) is the Haggadic midrash to Book of Proverbs, first mentioned under the title "Midrash Ruth Rabbah ( Hebrew: רות רבה) is an Haggadic and homiletic interpretation of the Book of Ruth, which like that of the four other scrolls A Baraita of Samuel ( Hebrew: בריתא דרבי שמואל) was known to Jewish scholars from Shabbethai Donolo in the 10th century to The Targum Sheni ( "Second Targum") is an Aramaic translation ( Targum) and elaboration of the Book of Esther, that embellishes Midrash Tehillim ( Hebrew: מדרש תהלים) or Midrash to Psalms is a Haggadic midrash known since the 11th century when it was quoted by Midrash Hashkem, also known as Midrash ve-Hizhir is a purely Haggadic midrash on the Pentateuch. Exodus Rabbah ( Hebrew: שמות רבה) is the Midrash to Exodus, containing in the printed editions 52 parashiyyot Shir ha-Shirim Zutta ( Hebrew: שיר השירים זוטא) is a Midrash, or rather homiletic commentary on Canticles; referred to in Midrash Tadshe ( Hebrew: מדרש תדשא) is a Small midrash which begins with an interpretation of Gen Sefer haYashar (midrash, a Hebrew Midrash known in English translation mostly as The Book of Jasher. The Yalkut Shimoni ( Hebrew: ילקוט שמעוני) or simply Yalkut is an Aggadic compilation on the books of the Old Testament Machir ben Abba Mari ( Hebrew: מכיר בן אבא מרי) was the author of a work entitled Yalkut ha-Makiri (ילקוט המכירי but about whom Midrash Jonah is the Midrash to the Book of Jonah, read on the Day of Atonement as Hafṭarah during the Minḥah prayer and containing Ein Yaakov (עין יעקב is a compilation of all the Aggadic material in the Talmud together with commentaries Midrash ha-Gadol or The Great Midrash ( Hebrew: מדרש הגדול) is an anonymous late (14th century compilation of Aggadic midrashim on the Numbers Rabbah (or Bamidbar Rabbah in Hebrew) is a religious text holy to classical Judaism. A number of Midrashim exist which are smaller in size and generally later in date than those dealt with in the articles Midrash Haggadah and Midrash Halakah. A targum ( Hebrew: תרגום plural targumim, lit "translation interpretation" is an Aramaic Translation of the Hebrew term " Torah " ( Hebrew: תּוֹרָה "teaching" or "instruction" sometimes translated as "Law" most commonly refers to Targum Onkelos (or Unkelus) is the official eastern ( Babylonian) Targum to the Torah. Targum Pseudo-Jonathan is a western Targum (translation of the Torah (Pentateuch from the Land of Israel. Nevi'im (נְבִיאִים "Prophets" is the second of the three major sections in the Hebrew Bible, the Tanakh, between the Targum Jonathan (תרגום יונתן בן עוזיאל - otherwise referred to as Targum Yonasan/Yonatan is the official eastern ( Babylonian) Targum Ketuvim (כְּתוּבִים "writings" is the third and final section of the Tanakh ( Hebrew Bible) after Torah and Nevi'im The Targum Sheni ( "Second Targum") is an Aramaic translation ( Targum) and elaboration of the Book of Esther, that embellishes The Pardes typology describes four different approaches to Biblical Exegesis in rabbinic Judaism (or - simpler - interpretation of text in Exegesis (from the Greek 'to lead out' involves an extensive and critical interpretation of an authoritative text, especially of a Holy "plain" or "simple"), remez (deep meaning, lit. "hints"), derash (comparative meaning, from Hebrew darash - "to inquire" or "to seek") and sod (hidden meaning or philosophy, lit. "secret" or "mystery"). The Midrash concentrates somewhat on remez but mostly on derash (Some thinkers divide PaRDeS into pshat, remez, din (law) and sod. In this understanding, midrash aggada deals with remez and midrash halakha deals with din).
Many different exegetical methods are employed to derive deeper meaning from a text. This is not limited to the traditional thirteen textual tools attributed to the Tanna Rabbi Ishmael, which are used in the interpretation of halakha (Jewish law). word /š n/ and /t n/ --> Ishmael ben Elisha (90-135 CE commonly known as Rabbi Ishmael, Hebrew: רבי ישמעאל) was a Tanna of the first and second Halakha ( הלכה; alternative transliterations include Halocho and Halacha) is the collective body of Jewish Religious law Presence of superfluous words or letters, chronology of events, parallel narratives or other textual anomalies are often a springboard for interpretation of segments of Biblical text. In many cases, a dialogue is expanded manifold: handfuls of lines in the Biblical narrative may become long philosophical discussions. It is unclear whether the Midrash assumes these dialogues took place in reality or if this refers only to subtext or religious implication.
The "classical" Midrash starts off with a seemingly unrelated sentence from the Biblical books of Psalms, Proverbs or the Prophets. Psalms ( Hebrew: Tehilim, תהילים, or "praises" is a book of the Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament) included The Book of Proverbs is one of the books of the Ketuvim of the Tanakh, and thus also one of the books of the Old Testament. Nevi'im (נְבִיאִים "Prophets" is the second of the three major sections in the Hebrew Bible, the Tanakh, between the This sentence later turns out to metaphorically reflect the content of the rabbinical interpretation offered.
Some Midrash discussions are highly metaphorical, and many Jewish authors stress that they are not intended to be taken literally. Rather, other midrashic sources may sometimes serve as a key to particularly esoteric discussions. Later authors maintain that this was done to make this material less accessible to the casual reader and prevent its abuse by detractors.
Forms of Midrashic literature
In general the Midrash is focused on either halakha (legal) or Aggadic (non-legal and chiefly homiletical) subject matter. Halakha ( הלכה; alternative transliterations include Halocho and Halacha) is the collective body of Jewish Religious law Aggadah ( Aramaic אגדה tales lore pl Aggadot or (Ashkenazi Aggados) refers to the homiletic and non-legalistic exegetical Both kinds of Midrashim were at first preserved only orally; but their writing down commenced in the 2nd century, and they now exist in the shape chiefly of exegetical or homiletical commentaries on Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible). An oral law is a Code of conduct in use in a given Culture, Religion or community application by which a body of rules of human behaviour is transmitted The 2nd century is the period from 101 to 200 in accordance with the Julian calendar in the Christian / Common Era. See also Old testament, Septuagint, Targum, Peshitta The Tanakh (תַּנַ"ךְ (taˈnax or; also Tenakh or Tenak is Midrashic literature is worthwhile reading not only for its insights into Judaism and the history of Jewish thought, but also for the more incidental data it provides to historians, philologists, philosophers, and scholars of either historical-critical Bible study or comparative religion.
Halakhic midrashim
Midrash halakha are the works in which the sources in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) of the traditionally received laws are identified. The Midrashim are mostly derived from and based upon the teachings of the Tannaim: See also Old testament, Septuagint, Targum, Peshitta The Tanakh (תַּנַ"ךְ (taˈnax or; also Tenakh or Tenak is These Midrashim often predate the Mishnah. The Mishnah or Mishna (he משנה "repetition" from the verb shanah he שנה or "to study and review" is a major work of Rabbinic Judaism The Midrash linking a verse to a halakha will often function as a proof of a law's authenticity; a correct elucidation of the Torah carries with it the support of the halakhah, and often the reason for the rule's existence (although many rabbinical laws have no direct Biblical source). The term is applied also to the derivation of new laws, either by means of a correct interpretation of the obvious meaning of scriptural words themselves or by the application of certain hermeneutic rules.
Origins
After the return of Jewish refugees from their diaspora in Babylon, some argue that the Torah was central to Jewish life at home and abroad. Babylon was a City-state of ancient Mesopotamia, the remains of which can be found in present-day Al Hillah, Babil Province, Iraq term " Torah " ( Hebrew: תּוֹרָה "teaching" or "instruction" sometimes translated as "Law" most commonly refers to This is certainly the case in some strains of Judaism, although scholars agree the period was marked by wide diversity, so the centrality of Torah would vary greatly for different groups. A significant concern of Jewish authorities was to ensure compliance with the Torah's commandments, the enactments of the Mosaic Law; yet, as these laws had been written in circumstances of the past, they seemed to call for adaptation or explication if they were to fit the circumstances of contemporary life. term " Torah " ( Hebrew: תּוֹרָה "teaching" or "instruction" sometimes translated as "Law" most commonly refers to Explanations of the terms of the Mosaic legislation are legal, or halakhic Midrashim. Halakha ( הלכה; alternative transliterations include Halocho and Halacha) is the collective body of Jewish Religious law Relatedly, the Mishnah does not generally cite a scriptural basis for its laws; connecting the Mishnaic law with the Torah law is also undertaken by the later Midrash (and Talmuds).
Aggadic midrashim
The homiletical midrashim embrace the interpretation of the non-legal portions of the Hebrew Bible. Aggadah ( Aramaic אגדה tales lore pl Aggadot or (Ashkenazi Aggados) refers to the homiletic and non-legalistic exegetical These midrashim are sometimes referred to as aggadah or haggadah, a loosely-defined term that may refer to all non-legal discourse in classical rabbinic literature. Aggadah ( Aramaic אגדה tales lore pl Aggadot or (Ashkenazi Aggados) refers to the homiletic and non-legalistic exegetical
Aggadic explanations of the non-legal parts of Scripture are characterized by a much greater freedom of exposition than the halakhic Midrashim (midrashim on Jewish law. ) Aggadic expositors availed themselves of various techniques, including sayings of prominent rabbis. These aggadic explanations could be philosophical or mystical disquisitions concerning angels, demons, paradise, hell, the messiah, Satan, feasts and fasts, parables, legends, satirical assaults on those who practice idolatry, etc. An angel is a Spiritual Supernatural being found in many Religions Although the nature of angels and the tasks given to them vary from tradition to tradition Paradise is a word of Persian origin ( Persian: پردیس Pardìs) that is generally identified with the Garden of Eden or with Heaven. Hell, according to many Religious beliefs, is a location in the Afterlife, which may be described as a place of suffering This article is about the concept of a Messiah in religion notably in the Christian Islamic and Jewish traditions Satan, ( Standard Hebrew Satan'el, English accuser) is a term that originates from the Abrahamic faiths, being traditionally A parable is a brief succinct story in Prose or verse, that illustrates a Moral or Religious lesson Idolatry is usually defined as Worship of any Cult image, Idea, or object, as opposed to the worship of a monotheistic God.
Some of these midrashim entail mystical teachings. The presentation is such that the Midrash is a simple lesson to the uninitiated, and a direct allusion, or analogy, to a Mystical teaching for those educated in this area.
An example of a Midrashic interpretation:
- "And God saw all that He had made, and found it very good. And there was evening, and there was morning, the sixth day. " (Genesis 1:31) - Midrash: Rabbi Nahman said in Rabbi Samuel's name: "Behold, it was good" refers to the Good Desire; "And behold, it was very good" refers to the Evil Desire. (It only says "very good" after man was created with both the good and bad inclinations, in all other cases in only says "and God saw that it was good") Can then the Evil Desire be very good? That would be extraordinary! But without the Evil Desire, however, no man would build a house, take a wife and beget children; and thus said Solomon: "Again, I considered all labour and all excelling in work, that it is a man's rivalry with his neighbour. " (Kohelet IV, 4) (Genesis Rabbah 9:7, translation from Soncino Publications).
Classical compilations
| Rabbinical Eras |
|---|
- See also: Rabbinical literature
Tannaitic
- Mekhilta. Zugot (תְּקוּפָת הַזּוּגוֹת ( (təqūphāth hazZūghôth) refers to the period during the time of the Second Temple (515 BCE - 70 CE in which word /š n/ and /t n/ --> Geonim ( Hebrew: גאונים also transliterated Gaonim) were the presidents of the two great rabbinical colleges of Sura Rabbinic literature, in its broadest sense can mean the entire spectrum of Rabbinic writings throughout Jewish history Mekhilta or Mekilta ( Hebrew: מכילתא) is the Halakic midrash to the Book of Exodus. The Mekhilta essentially functions as a commentary on the book of Exodus. Exodus ( Greek: έξοδος eksodos = "departure" is the second book of the Jewish Torah and of the Christian Old Testament. There are two versions of this midrash collection. One is Mekhilta de Rabbi Ishmael, the other is Mekhilta de Rabbi Simeon bar Yohai. The former is still studied today, while the latter was used by many medieval Jewish authorities. While the latter (bar Yohai) text was popularly circulated in manuscript form from the 11th to 16th centuries, it was lost for all practical purposes until it was rediscovered and printed in the 19th century.
- Mekhilta de Rabbi Ishmael. Mekhilta or Mekilta ( Hebrew: מכילתא) is the Halakic midrash to the Book of Exodus. This is a halakhic commentary on Exodus, concentrating on the legal sections, from Exodus 12 to 35. It derives halakha from Biblical verses. This midrash collection was redacted into its final form around the 3rd or 4th century; its contents indicate that its sources are some of the oldest midrashim, dating back possibly to the time of Rabbi Akiva. The midrash on Exodus that was known to the Amoraim is not the same as our current mekhilta; their version was only the core of what later grew into the present form.
- Mekhilta de Rabbi Simeon bar Yohai. The Mekhilta de-Rabbi Shimon ( Hebrew: מכילתא דרבי שמעון בר יוחאי) is a Halakic midrash on Exodus from the school of Based on the same core material as Mekhilta de Rabbi Ishmael, it followed a second route of commentary and editing, and eventually emerged as a distinct work. The Mekhilta de Rabbi Simeon bar Yohai is an exegetical midrash on Exodus 3 to 35, and is very roughly dated to near the 4th century.
- Sifra on Leviticus. Sifra ( Aramaic: סִפְרָא) is the Halakic midrash to Leviticus. Leviticus (from Greek Λευιτικός, "relating to the Levites " The Sifra work follows the tradition of Rabbi Akiva with additions from the School of Rabbi Ishmael. References in the Talmud to the Sifra are ambiguous; It is uncertain whether the texts mentioned in the Talmud are to an earlier version of our Sifra, or to the sources that the Sifra also drew upon. References to the Sifra from the time of the early medieval rabbis (and after) are to the text extant today. The core of this text developed in the mid-3rd century as a critique and commentary of the Mishnah, although subsequent additions and editing went on for some time afterwards.
- Sifre on Numbers and Deuteronomy, going back mainly to the schools of the same two Rabbis. Sifre ( סִפְרֵי siphrēy, Sifre Sifrei, also Sifre debe Rab or Sifre Rabbah) refers to either of two The Book of Numbers, ( Bamidbar, meaning in the wilderness) is the fourth book of the Torah, the Tanakh, and the Old Testament. Deuteronomy (Greek deuteronomion, Δευτερονόμιον "second law" is the fifth book of the Hebrew Bible and of the Old Testament This work is mainly a halakhic midrash, yet includes a long haggadic piece in sections 78-106. References in the Talmud, and in the later Geonic literature, indicate that the original core of Sifre was on the Book of Numbers, Exodus and Deuteronomy. The Book of Numbers, ( Bamidbar, meaning in the wilderness) is the fourth book of the Torah, the Tanakh, and the Old Testament. Deuteronomy (Greek deuteronomion, Δευτερονόμιον "second law" is the fifth book of the Hebrew Bible and of the Old Testament However, transmission of the text was imperfect, and by the Middle Ages, only the commentary on Numbers and Deuteronomy remained. The core material was redacted around the middle of the 3rd century.
- Sifre Zutta (The small Sifre). Sifre Zutta ( Hebrew: ספרי זוטא) is a Midrash on the Book of Numbers. This work is a halakhic commentary on the book of Numbers. The text of this midrash is only partially preserved in medieval works, while other portions were discovered by Solomon Schechter in his research in the famed Cairo Geniza. Solomon Schechter שניאור זלמן שכטר ( December 7, 1847 - November 19[[ 915]] was a Moldavian born Romanian and English It seems to be older than most other midrash, coming from the early 3rd century.
Post-Talmudic
- Midrash Qohelet, on Ecclesiastes (probably before middle of ninth century). Ecclesiastes (often abbreviated Ecc) (קֹהֶלֶת Kohelet, variously transliterated as Qoheleth, Göhalath, Koheles, Koheleth
- Midrash Esther, on Esther (A. Esther Rabbah ( Hebrew: אסתר רבה) is the Midrash to the Book of Esther in the current Midrash editions The Book of Esther is a book of the Tanakh ( Hebrew Bible) and of the Old Testament. D. 940).
- The Pesikta, a compilation of homilies on special Pentateuchal and Prophetic lessons (early eighth century), in two versions:
- Pirqe Rabbi Eliezer (not before eighth century), a Midrashic narrative of the more important events of the Pentateuch. Pesikta Rabbati ( Hebrew: פסיקתא רבתי) is a collection of Aggadic Midrash (homilies on the Pentateuchal and prophetic lessons Pesikta de-Rab Kahana ( Hebrew: פסיקתא דרב כהנא) is a collection of Aggadic midrash which exists in two editions those of Solomon Buber Pirke De-Rabbi Eliezer ( Aramaic: פרקי דרבי אליעזר) is a Aggadic-midrashic work on Genesis, part of Exodus, and a few
- Tanchuma or Yelammedenu (ninth century) on the whole Pentateuch; its homilies often consist of a Halachic introduction, followed by several poems, exposition of the opening verses, and the Messianic conclusion. Midrash Tanhuma ( Hebrew: מדרש תנחומא) is the name given to three different collections of Pentateuch Haggadot; two are extant while Midrash Tanhuma ( Hebrew: מדרש תנחומא) is the name given to three different collections of Pentateuch Haggadot; two are extant while There are actually a number of different 'Midrash Tanhuma' collections. The two most important are Midrash Tanhuma Ha Nidpas, literally the published text. This is also sometimes referred to as Midrash Tanhuma Yelamdenu. Midrash Tanhuma ( Hebrew: מדרש תנחומא) is the name given to three different collections of Pentateuch Haggadot; two are extant while The other is based on a manuscript published by Solomon Buber and is usually known as Midrash Tanhuma Buber, much to many students' confusion, this too is sometimes referred to as Midrash Tanhuma Yelamdenu. Solomon (or Salomon Buber (1827&ndash1906 was a Jewish Galician scholar and editor of Hebrew works Midrash Tanhuma ( Hebrew: מדרש תנחומא) is the name given to three different collections of Pentateuch Haggadot; two are extant while The fact is even though the first one is the most widely distributed today, when the Medieval authors refer to Midrash Tanchuma, they usually mean the second one.
- Midrash Shemuel, on the first two Books of Kings (I, II Samuel). Midrash Samuel ( Hebrew: מדרש שמואל) a Haggadic midrash on the Books of Samuel, is quoted for the first time by Rashi in
- Midrash Tehillim, on the Psalms. Midrash Tehillim ( Hebrew: מדרש תהלים) or Midrash to Psalms is a Haggadic midrash known since the 11th century when it was quoted by Psalms ( Hebrew: Tehilim, תהילים, or "praises" is a book of the Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament) included
- Midrash Mishlé, a commentary on the book of Proverbs. Midrash Proverbs ( Hebrew: מדרש משלי) is the Haggadic midrash to Book of Proverbs, first mentioned under the title "Midrash
- Seder Olam Rabbah (or simply Seder Olam). Seder Olam Rabbah ( Hebrew: סדר עולם רבה) is the earliest post-exilic chronicle preserved in the Hebrew language. Traditionally attributed to the tannaitic Rabbi Yose ben Halafta. Rabbi Jose ben Halafta or Yose ben Halafta ( Hebrew: רבי יוסי בן חלפתא) was a Tanna of the fourth generation (2nd century CE This work covers topics from the Creation of the universe to the construction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Etymology The Hebrew name given in Scripture for the building is Beit HaMikdash or "The Holy House" and only the Temple in Jerusalem is referred to by this name
- Yalkut Shimoni. The Yalkut Shimoni ( Hebrew: ילקוט שמעוני) or simply Yalkut is an Aggadic compilation on the books of the Old Testament A collection of midrash on the entire Hebrew Scriptures (Tanakh) containing both halakhic and aggadic midrash. See also Old testament, Septuagint, Targum, Peshitta The Tanakh (תַּנַ"ךְ (taˈnax or; also Tenakh or Tenak is Halakha ( הלכה; alternative transliterations include Halocho and Halacha) is the collective body of Jewish Religious law Aggadah ( Aramaic אגדה tales lore pl Aggadot or (Ashkenazi Aggados) refers to the homiletic and non-legalistic exegetical It was compiled by Shimon ha-Darshan in the 13th century CE and is collected from over 50 other midrashic works.
- Tanna Devei Eliyahu. Tanna Devei Eliyahu ( Hebrew: תנא דבי אליהו; alternate Transliterations include Tana D'vei Eliyahu and Tana D'vei Eliahu This work that stresses the reasons underlying the commandments, the importance of knowing Torah, prayer, and repentance, and the ethical and religious values that are learned through the Bible. It consists of two sections, Seder Eliyahu Rabbah and Seder Eliyahu Zuta. It is not a compilation but a uniform work with a single author.
- Alphabet of Akiba ben Joseph, a midrash on the names of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet
- Midrash Tadshe (called also Baraita de-Rabbi Pinehas ben Yair):
Midrash Rabbah
- Midrash Rabbah. Alphabet of Akiba ben Joseph, or Otiot (Midrash Aggadah de-Rabbi Akiba ( Hebrew: אותיות דרבי עקיבא) is the title of a Midrash The Hebrew alphabet (אָלֶף-בֵּית עִבְרִי alephbet ’ivri) consists of 22 letters used for writing the Hebrew language. Midrash Tadshe ( Hebrew: מדרש תדשא) is a Small midrash which begins with an interpretation of Gen Midrash Tadshe ( Hebrew: מדרש תדשא) is a Small midrash which begins with an interpretation of Gen Widely studied are the Rabboth (great commentaries), a collection of ten midrashim on different books of the Bible. However, despite the similarity in their names, these are not a cohesive work. They were written by different authors, in different locales, in different historical eras. The ones on Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy are chiefly made up of homilies on the Scripture sections for the Sabbath or festival, while the others are rather of an exegetical nature.
- Bereshith Rabba, Genesis Rabbah. Genesis Rabba ( Bereshit Rabba in Hebrew: בראשית רבה) is a religious text from Judaism 's classical period This text dates from the sixth century CE. A midrash on Genesis, it offers explanations of words and sentences and haggadic interpretations and expositions, many of which are only loosely tied to the text. It is often interlaced with maxims and parables. Its redactor drew upon earlier rabbinic sources, including the Mishnah, Tosefta, the halakhic midrashim the Targums. It apparently drew upon a version of Talmud Yerushalmi that resembles, yet was not identical to, the text that survived to present times. It was redacted sometime in the early 5th century.
- Shemot Rabba, Exodus Rabbah (eleventh and twelfth century)
- Vayyiqra Rabba, Leviticus Rabbah (middle seventh Century)
- Bamidbar Rabba, Numbers Rabbah (twelfth century)
- Devarim Rabba, Deuteronomy Rabbah (tenth century)
- Shir Hashirim Rabba, Song of Songs Rabbah (probably before the middle of ninth century)
- Ruth Rabba, (same date as foregoing)
- Eicha Rabba, Lamentations Rabbah (seventh century). Exodus Rabbah ( Hebrew: שמות רבה) is the Midrash to Exodus, containing in the printed editions 52 parashiyyot Leviticus Rabbah, Vayikrah Rabbah, or Wayikra Rabbah is a homiletic Midrash to the Biblical book of Leviticus ( Vayikrah in Hebrew Numbers Rabbah (or Bamidbar Rabbah in Hebrew) is a religious text holy to classical Judaism. Deuteronomy Rabbah ( Hebrew: דברים רבה) is an Aggadic midrash or homiletic commentary on the Book of Deuteronomy. Shir ha-Shirim Rabbah ( Hebrew: שיר השירים רבה) is a Haggadic midrash on Canticles, quoted by Rashi under the title "Midrash Ruth Rabbah ( Hebrew: רות רבה) is an Haggadic and homiletic interpretation of the Book of Ruth, which like that of the four other scrolls The Midrash on Lamentations or Eichah (Lamentations Rabbah ( Hebrew: מדרש איכה רבה) like Bereshit Rabbah and the Lamentations Rabbah has been transmitted in two versions. One edition is represented by the 1st printed edition, 1519 Pesaro; the other is the Buber edition, based on manuscript J. I. 4 from the Biblioteca Casanatense in Rome. This latter version (Salomon Buber) is quoted by the Shulkhan Arukh, as well as medieval Jewish authorities. Solomon (or Salomon Buber (1827&ndash1906 was a Jewish Galician scholar and editor of Hebrew works The Shulchan Aruch (שולחן ערוך literally " Set Table " (also Shulhan Aruch or Shulchan Arukh) is a Codification It was probably redacted sometime in the 5th century.
Contemporary Midrash
A wealth of literature and artwork has been created in the 20th and 21st centuries by people aspiring to create "Contemporary Midrash. " Forms include poetry, prose, Bibliodrama (the acting out of Bible stories), murals, masks, and music, among others. The Institute for Contemporary Midrash was formed to facilitate these reinterpretations of sacred texts. The institute hosted several week-long intensives between 1995 and 2004, and published eight issues of "Living Text: The Journal of Contemporary Midrash" from 1997 to 2000.
External links
- Sacred Texts: Judaism: Tales and Maxims from the Midrash extracted and translated by Samuel Rapaport, 1908.
- Prophetic Midrash: Retelling the lives of Biblical prophets based on the sacred texts, legends and traditions of religious faiths both ancient and modern.
- The Institute for Contemporary Midrash
- Midrashentry in historical sourcebook by Mahlon H. Smith
- Mp3 classes in Midrash Tana Dbey Elyah with Intro
"Midrashim". Catholic Encyclopedia. The Catholic Encyclopedia, also referred to today as the Old Catholic Encyclopedia, is an English-language Encyclopedia published by The Encyclopedia (1913). New York: Robert Appleton Company. - An early twentieth century Christian commentary
See also
|
Fulltext resources
- Tanchuma (Hebrew)
- abridged translations of Tanchuma in English. A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, a monotheistic Religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth Allegory in the Middle Ages was a vital element in the Synthesis of Biblical and Classical traditions into what would become recognizable as Medieval culture An archetype ( pronounced: /ˈɑːkɪtaɪp/ (Brit or /ˈɑrkɪtaɪp/ (Amer Biblical studies is the academic study of the Judeo-Christian Bible and related texts Exegesis (from the Greek 'to lead out' involves an extensive and critical interpretation of an authoritative text, especially of a Holy Hermeneutics may be described as the development and study of Theories of the interpretation and understanding of texts An icon (from Greek εἰκών eikōn, "image" is a religious work of art most commonly a painting from Eastern Christianity. Semiotics, semiotic studies, or semiology is the study of sign processes (semiosis or signification and communication signs and Symbols both The musical instrument is spelled Cymbal. A symbol is something --- such as an object, Picture, written word a sound a piece
- Yalkut Shimoni (Hebrew)
- Tana Devei Eliyahu
- Jewishgates.org
Dictionary
Midrash
-noun
- A Rabbinic commentary on a text from the Hebrew Scripture.
- The Rabbinic technique or tradition of such exegesis.
Dapyx Software network: MP3 Explorer | Ebook Manager | Zenithic