Midrash Rabbah

2,921 texts · Page 313 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.

Mission of Moses and Israelite

Midrash Rabbah Vayikra Rabbah 26:5

to a fascinating little story from Vayikra Rabbah (Leviticus Rabbah), a collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Book of Leviticus. Rabbi Berekhya, quoting Rabbi Levi, tells a...

DemonsMosesDanielSoul

Levi: Aaron and Moses

Midrash Rabbah Vayikra Rabbah 26:6

Specifically, Vayikra Rabbah 26. It all starts with a simple phrase: "Speak to the priests." But as is so often the case in Jewish tradition, there's a whole universe packed into t...

MosesKing DavidDeath

Death of Saul and Levi

Midrash Rabbah Vayikra Rabbah 26:7

Today, let's dive into a fascinating, and frankly, unsettling story from Vayikra Rabbah 26, found within the larger collection of Midrash Rabbah, about King Saul and his fateful en...

CreationAngelsPatriarchsJoseph

Haman Among the Heavenly Host

Midrash Rabbah Vayikra Rabbah 26:8

It’s not just filler! According to the sages, these repetitions are clues, little breadcrumbs that lead us to deeper meanings. Vayikra Rabbah, a Midrash on the book of Leviticus, d...

AngelsMosesKing DavidElijah

Staff of Moses and Priest

Midrash Rabbah Vayikra Rabbah 26:9

We often think of greatness in terms of power or fame, but the ancient rabbis had a more nuanced view, especially when it came to the leaders of the Jewish people. In Vayikra Rabba...

CreaturesMosesKing DavidMessiah

Isaiah: Noah and Creation

Midrash Rabbah Vayikra Rabbah 27:1

This week, we're diving into Vayikra Rabbah 27, a fascinating exploration of these very questions, sparked by a seemingly simple verse from Leviticus: "A bull, or a sheep, or a goa...

CreationHeavenHell/GehennaAdam & Eve

Patriarchal Covenant

Midrash Rabbah Vayikra Rabbah 27:2

Rabbi Tanhuma kicks things off with a quote from Job: "Who has given Me anything beforehand, that I shall pay? Everything beneath the heavens is Mine" (Job 41:3). It sounds a bit… ...

PatriarchsJobSoulHoly Land

Ezekiel's Transgression

Midrash Rabbah Vayikra Rabbah 27:3

A song, a smell, a place... and suddenly you're right back there, feeling the weight of it all over again. Jewish tradition is keenly aware of this power of association, and how ea...

HeavenJosephMosesTorah

Elijah: Adam and the Origins of the World

Midrash Rabbah Vayikra Rabbah 27:4

The ancient rabbis wrestled with these very questions. In Vayikra Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic homilies on the Book of Leviticus, we find a fascinating discussion anchored to t...

CreationAdam & EvePatriarchsMatriarchs