The Midrashic Process
Tradition and Interpretation in Rabbinic Judaism

A fresh approach to Midrash, the oldest known form of Bible interpretation, by a leading Jewish scholar.

Irving Jacobs (Author)

9780521461740, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 23 February 1995

234 pages
22.4 x 14.3 x 1.8 cm, 0.408 kg

"In sum, when read for its learning and provocative thesis, Jacob's book opens and reopens topics of research in several areas of midrashic studies." Michael Fishbane, The Journal of Religion

The purpose of this book is to re-examine those basic issues in the study of Midrash which to some extent have been marginalised by trends in scholarship and research. Irving Jacobs asks, for example, whether the early rabbinic exegetes had a concept of peshat, plain meaning, and, if so, what significance they attached to it in their exposition of the biblical text. He enquires if the selection of proemial and proof-texts was a random one, dependent purely upon the art or whim of the preacher, or rather if exegetical traditions linked certain pentateuchal themes with specific sections of the Prophets (and particularly the Hagiographa), which were acknowledged by preachers and audiences alike. As Midrash in its original, pre-literary form, was a living process involving both live preachers and live audiences in the ancient synagogues of the Holy Land, to what extent, he asks, did the latter influence the former in the development of their art and skills?

Preface
1. What is Midrash?
2. Traditional motifs in early rabbinic exegesis I: Job and the Generation of the Flood
3. Traditional motifs in early rabbinic exegesis II: Job and Israel's early history as a nation
4. Popular legends and traditions I: the archetypal sage
5. Popular legends and traditions II: the archetypal priest-king
6. Popular legends and traditions III: the regenerating tree
7. The midrashic background for James 2: 21-23
8. Elements of Near-Eastern mythology in Rabbinic Aggadah
9. Conclusions
Appendixes
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Judaism [HRJ]