Midrash (Hebrew: מדרש; plural midrashim, lit. "to investigate" or "study") is a Hebrew term referring to the not exact, but comparative (homiletic) method of exegesis (hermeneutic) of Biblical texts, which is one of four methods cumulatively called Pardes. The term midrash can also refer to a compilation of homiletic teachings (commentaries) on the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), in the form of legal and ritual (Halakhah) and legendary, moralizing, folkloristic, and anecdotal (Aggadah) parts.
While the midrashim are a valuable source of Jewish interpretations of the Bible, they are not the only source. The article on Jewish commentaries on the Bible discusses a wide variety of later Jewish bible commentaries, from the ancient Targums to classical Rabbinic literature, the midrash literature, the classical medieval commentators, and modern day commentaries.
- The Midrash is mostly derived from, and based upon, the teachings of the Tannaim:
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The Jewish Week, USA
In the Midrash Leviticus Rabbah, tzara'at (leprosy) is seen as a form of punishment for those who engage in gossip, because like tzara'at, gossip is highly contagious. The rabbis bring various proof texts, including references to our great leaders, ...
