The Midrash

An introduction to the seven Midrash compilations with a lucid account of their main points. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.

Midrash is biblical exegesis by ancient Judaic authorities, using a mode of interpretation prominent in the Talmud. The word itself means "textual interpretation", or "study". The Midrash collects background and supplementary material on the Hebrew Bible and interprets Scripture in that manner. It contains early interpretations and commentaries on the Written Torah and Oral Torah and forms a running commentary on specific passages in the Hebrew Scripture (Tanakh). Tales and Maxims from the Midrash: Alexander of Macedon Demons Ashmedai, The King Of Demons Messiah Genesis Rabba Exodus Rabba Leviticus Rabba Numbers Rabba Deuteronomy Rabba Midrash Ruth Midrash Song of Songs Midrash Ecclesiastes Midrash Lamentations Midrash Esther Midrash Psalms Midrash Proverbs Midrash Samuel Midrash Tanchumah Or Yelamdinu

David Stern shows how the parable or mashal--the most distinctive type of narrative in midrash--was composed, how its symbolism works, and how it serves to convey the ideological convictions of the rabbis. He describes its relation to similar tales in other literatures, including the parables of Jesus in the New Testament and kabbalistic parables. Through its innovative approach to midrash, this study reaches beyond its particular subject, and will appeal to all readers interested in narrative and religion.

Presents stories of heroic individuals from the Talmud and Midrash.

This collection gives the reader a taste of the thousands of stories one can find in the treasure house of rabbinic literature. Some of these stories are humorous, some mysteriuos, some tense with drama or adventure, some filled with the joy of a miracle and the beauty of faith. All of these stories come from either the Talmud or the Midrash. This collection shows that these rabbinical stories are not old and outdated, but alive and timeless, for future generations to continue to enjoy.

In this volume, Paul Mandel presents a study of the words darash and midrash from the Bible until rabbinic literature, claiming that the words refer to instruction in law and not to interpretation of text.

Presenting a systematic approach to the study of midrash, each of the readings presented in this book attempts to reconstruct the reasoning behind midrashic commentary on biblical narrative. The goal of the book is to convey a sensitivity to the language and meanings of the Tanakh, and to develop a reverent appreciation for the language and teachings of the Jewish sages.