Midrash Rabbah

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The great Midrash Rabbah, a collection of aggadic midrashim on the Torah and the Five Megillot. These rabbinic commentaries explore the deeper meanings of Scripture through parable, allegory, and legend.

The Golden Calf and Yehuda

Midrash Rabbah Shemot Rabbah 38:3

Take the story of atonement after the sin of the Golden Calf. It all starts with an offering. But what kind of offering? The verse in Exodus tells us to "Take one young bull." But ...

AngelsMosesKing DavidJob

Israelites: Haman at the Dawn of Creation

Midrash Rabbah Shemot Rabbah 38:4

The ancient rabbis wrestled with this, too, and their insights, preserved in Shemot Rabbah, are surprisingly relevant today. The verse from Hosea (14:3) says, "Take words with you ...

CreationHeavenPatriarchsJoseph

Yabetz and Creation

Midrash Rabbah Shemot Rabbah 38:5

The ancient rabbis, plumbing the depths of the Torah, had a different take, and it’s one that resonates even today. We find a fascinating discussion in Shemot Rabbah, a collection ...

CreationAdam & EveMosesSolomon

Abraham and the Origins of the World

Midrash Rabbah Shemot Rabbah 38:6

In Shemot Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Book of Exodus, we find a fascinating exploration of this very idea. The verse "This is the matter [hadavar]" (Exo...

CreationHeavenPatriarchsJoseph

Wisdom of Aaron and Sanctuary

Midrash Rabbah Shemot Rabbah 38:7

It’s a fascinating subject, and one that the ancient Rabbis pondered deeply. In fact, Shemot Rabbah, a classic collection of Midrashic interpretations on the Book of Exodus, offers...

MosesKing DavidTempleProphecy

Kingdom of Aaron and Circumcision

Midrash Rabbah Shemot Rabbah 38:8

What allowed him, a human, to step into the most sacred space? Shemot Rabbah, a treasure trove of biblical interpretations, explores this very question. "This is the matter," it sa...

CreationAngelsNoah & FloodJoseph

Abraham and the Patriarchs of Jacob

Midrash Rabbah Shemot Rabbah 38:9

We often think of it as just a structure, but according to Jewish tradition, every single element, every color, every placement, held profound meaning. Take the Hoshen, the breastp...

PatriarchsJosephMosesEgypt

Moses and Solomon of Songs

Midrash Rabbah Shemot Rabbah 39:1

But in Jewish tradition, a census wasn't just a matter of logistics. It was a delicate, even potentially dangerous, undertaking. Shemot Rabbah, a rich collection of midrashic inter...

MosesSolomonEstherTorah

Betzalel's Transgression and the Tabernacle

Midrash Rabbah Shemot Rabbah 40:1

This week, we're diving into a fascinating passage from Shemot Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic interpretations of the Book of Exodus. It all starts with God choosing Betzalel to b...

CreationAdam & EveMosesJob