How to Read the Mishnah and Midrash: An Introduction to Early Rabbinic LiteratureThe early rabbinic period produced two major literary formations—the Mishnah and Midrash—which have since remained central pillars of Jewish textual tradition. How to Read the Mishnah and Midrash is the first comprehensive introduction to these two foundational works of Jewish thought in English. In many ways, all subsequent rabbinic literature emerged from the framework established by these two genres. The Mishnah presented a comprehensive legal system independent of the Bible, encompassing a remarkably broad spectrum of legal topics—from ritual law to civil disputes, capital legislation, marital status, and beyond—woven into a coherent and autonomous legal corpus. The Midrash is the first comprehensive running commentary of the Pentateuch, marked by its interpretive freedom and creative playfulness. This hands-on companion provides an intimate understanding of how the two texts function and essential tools for engaging with them in depth. With translations, close readings, and analyses of hundreds of primary source materials, this book offers readers a deeper appreciation of the structure, methodology, and enduring impact of the Mishnah and Midrash. |
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How to Read the Mishnah and Midrash: An Introduction to Early Rabbinic ... Ishay Rosen-Zvi No preview available - 2026 |
Common terms and phrases
Aggadah aggadic Avot Babylonian Talmud Bava Metzi'a Berakhot Bet Hillel bet midrash Bet Shammai Bible blessing century context darshan de-Rashbi Dead Sea Scrolls derashah derashot Deut Deuteronomy discussed edited editors example exegesis exegetical Exodus Genizah Halakhah halakhic Hermeneutics Hillel interpretation Israelites Jerusalem Jewish Jews Kahana Land of Israel Leviticus Lord meaning Mekhilta de-Rabbi Yishmael Midrash Midrashim of Rabbi Mishnah mishnaic law mishnayot mitzvah Moses Nezikin opinion Oral Torah Pesher phrase priests prohibition Qumran Rabbi Akiva Rabbi Eliezer Rabbi Yehudah ha-Nasi Rabbi Yishmael rabbinic literature reading recited ritual Rosen-Zvi Sages says scholars Scripture Second Temple Second Temple period Seder Shabbat Shammai Shimon Sifra Sifre on Numbers Sifrei Deuteronomy Sifrei Numbers someone Sotah sukkah Sukkot tannaitic teaches textual tion Tosefta tradition verse words אחד אינו אלא אמרו אֶת בית בן דברים דין יב יהודה ישראל כִּי לֹא לו מן נאמר רבי שהוא שלא שמות שנאמר תלמוד לומר