Midrash Aggadah

3,763 texts · Page 122 of 419

Midrash Aggadah texts, a body of rabbinic literature devoted to the narrative, ethical, and homiletical interpretation of the Hebrew Bible. These works illuminate Scripture through stories, parables, and theological reflection.

Death of Machpelah and Esau

Midrash Aggadah Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 39:14

The scene: The Cave of Machpelah in Hebron, the ancient burial ground purchased by Abraham himself. Jacob, also known as Israel, has passed away in Egypt, and his sons are bringing...

PatriarchsJosephEgyptSinai

Isaac's Prayer and Esau

Midrash Aggadah Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 39:16

Our tradition grapples with this question constantly. Take the story of Isaac and Esau, for example. It’s a family drama, a theological debate, and a reminder of the power – and li...

PatriarchsTorahSoulHoly Land

Rod and Serpent of Shekhinah

Midrash Aggadah Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 40:1

The answer, my friends, might be more profound than you think. The text we're looking at comes from Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a fascinating collection of stories and interpretations ...

MosesJobHoly Land

The Garden of Eden and Joseph

Midrash Aggadah Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 40:2

Not just any rod, but the rod. A rod created in the twilight of creation itself, before the first Shabbat. Rabbi Levi, a sage from the Talmudic period, tells us its story, a story ...

HeavenAdam & EveNoah & FloodPatriarchs

Death of Moses and Jethro

Midrash Aggadah Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 40:4

Take the story of Moses and the staff. It all starts with a garden, a simple rod, and a curious shepherd-to-be. According to Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a fascinating early medieval te...

JosephMosesTorahHoly Land

The Burning Bush and Horeb

Midrash Aggadah Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 40:5

We find him, as Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer (Chapter 40) tells us, leading his flock. Not just anywhere, mind you, but all the way to Horeb. That's right, Mount Sinai, also known as Hor...

MosesTorahTempleHoly Land

The Burning Bush and Pharaoh

Midrash Aggadah Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 40:6

God is calling to Moses from the burning bush. A pretty dramatic way to get someone's attention. And what's the message? "Go to Pharaoh and bring my people out of Egypt!" (Exodus 3...

MosesEgypt

Pharaoh: Moses Speaks for God

Midrash Aggadah Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 40:7

That feeling, that sense of profound loss, isn't just a modern phenomenon. Our Sages wrestled with it too. Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer, a fascinating and often imaginative work of Jewis...

MosesElijahProphecyHoly Land

Israelites: Kingdom of Moses

Midrash Aggadah Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 40:8

The story begins with Moses, standing before God, asking for a sign, a mofet, to prove his divine mission. "Sovereign of all worlds!" he pleads, "Give me a wonder or a sign!" And G...

Adam & EveMosesMiraclesHoly Land