Midrash Rabbah

2,921 texts · Page 269 of 325

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.

Celestial Visions and Aivu

Midrash Rabbah Shir HaShirim Rabbah 2:5

That image, that feeling, is captured beautifully in the ancient interpretations of the Shir HaShirim, the Song of Songs. Let's delve into one fascinating piece from Shir HaShirim ...

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Avun: Esau at the Dawn of Creation

Midrash Rabbah Shir HaShirim Rabbah 2:6

But in the ancient wisdom of Shir HaShirim Rabbah, the Song of Songs commentary, we find just that: the humble lily as a powerful metaphor for the enduring spirit of Israel. Rabbi ...

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Moses and Joseph of Songs

Midrash Rabbah Shir HaShirim Rabbah 3:1

It pops up in unexpected places, carrying layers of meaning far beyond just a tasty fruit. Take the Shir HaShirim Rabbah, the rabbinic commentary on the Song of Songs. It uses the ...

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Acts of Creation and Sivan

Midrash Rabbah Shir HaShirim Rabbah 3:2

Jewish tradition is full of such considerations, especially when it comes to our sacred texts. Take, for example, the apple tree. Seems simple. But in Shir HaShirim Rabbah, a compi...

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Splitting of the Sea and Tabernacle

Midrash Rabbah Shir HaShirim Rabbah 3:3

And what was God's response? According to Rabbi Yehuda bar Simon in Shir HaShirim Rabbah, it was like a king with priceless gems being asked for a treasure by his son. The king doe...

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Ring of Solomon and Meeting

Midrash Rabbah Shir HaShirim Rabbah 3:4

The earth shook, the trumpets blared, GOD spoke... but was that it? Rabbi Elazar has a fascinating take on this, and it all hinges on a seemingly simple verse from Leviticus: "The ...

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Moses in the Wilderness and Meeting

Midrash Rabbah Shir HaShirim Rabbah 3:5

According to Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi, the experience was so intense that if other nations had understood the benefit of the Ohel Mo'ed, the Tent of Meeting, they would have protect...

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Cosmic Origins and Meir

Midrash Rabbah Shir HaShirim Rabbah 4:1

That’s what we’re diving into today, exploring a fascinating passage from Shir HaShirim Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Song of Songs. Specifically, we're l...

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Abraham and Creation of Shir

Midrash Rabbah Shir HaShirim Rabbah 5:1

It's a book filled with passionate love poetry, and this verse, 2:5, is especially intriguing: "Support me with raisin cakes, cushion me with apples, for I am lovesick." Simple eno...

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