Learning to Read MidrashPresenting a systematic approach to the study of midrash, each of the readings featured in this book attempts to reconstruct the reasoning behind midrashic commentary on biblical narrative. The study begins by defining what midrash is, discussing why it can be so difficult to understand, and explaining how the Jewish sages used midrash to interpret biblical text. It then explores two genres of midrash--the parable and the midrashic story--and utilizes detailed readings to demonstrate how to "translate" the language of the sages into contemporary terminology. Among the texts analyzed in the book are some of the most fascinating and complex biblical stories, including the binding of Isaac, the sin of David and Bathsheba, the book of Jonah, and Moses and the burning bush. This study conveys a sensitivity to the language and meanings of the Hebrew Bible and helps readers develop an appreciation for the language and teachings of the Jewish sages. |
Contents
INTRODUCTION | 9 |
UNDERSTANDING THE MASHAL THE MIDRASHIC PARABLE | 25 |
THE PETIHTA USING A VERSE TO INTERPRET A VERSE | 37 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
actually Akeda answer appears approach attempt Avraham become biblical biblical text brothers Chapter child commentary connection context David death describes dialogue difficulty discussion Divine effect Egypt eheye Elazar elements example Exodus explain expression face fact father follows Genesis give given God's Hana Hana's Hazal Holy One blessed idols implies interpretation Israel Jewish king language lines Lord mashal master meaning midrash midrashim Moshe Moshe's narrative expansion nature nimshal noted offers opening Perhaps person phrase position possible prayer presents problem prooftext Psalms question quote Rabba Rabbis reader reading reason reference relationship request righteous Samuel seems servants shows sins statement story structure suffering Tanakh teaching tells thing tion Torah translation understanding verse verse 14 wants whole wicked wife wishes woman Yaakov Yehoshua Yehuda Yona Yosef אמר