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B. Here's a great definition of "Midrash" by the late great Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, author of The Living Torah: "...a generic term, usually denoting the non-legalistic teachings of the rabbis of the Talmudic era. In the centuries following the final redaction of the Talmud (around 505 CE), much of this material was gathered into collections known as Midrashim." So, "the Midrash" is like "the dictionary"--there are many dictionaries, each compiled by a different party at a different time.
The Midrash fills in the gaps behind the oft-times sketchy, skeletal narrative of the Torah... It adds meat to its bones, telling us things we otherwise would never know...
How can I study Midrash?
1. Study Torah
Midrash is part of Torah, and thus studying Midrash is studying Torah. How do you study Torah? See What is Torah? first, and then I'll see you back here.
2. Go Shopping
Perhaps the most popular Midrashic publication is what might be dubbed "Midrash for Dummies": a terrific five-volume, English-language translation of Midrashic commentary entitled The Midrash Says. (There is also The Little Midrash Says, a large-print format of same, just for kids.) Pick up your set at any Jewish bookstore. When you do, don't skip the fabulous Foreword.
3. Remember What you're Doing
Like "Kabbalah," there's a lot of confusion out there when it comes to "Midrash." So here's a golden rule you can't go wrong with: don't rely only on books - go to classes. And since 99 percent of Midrash is on "the Bible" anyway--Tanach--go to a basic Torah class, where your instructor will bring the text to life with ample samplings of Midrashic teachings. Visit www.chabad.com for your nearest one.
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Torah » Mishnah and Talmud
