Topics in Jewish and Near Eastern Studies: Readings in Midrash

3 units

The aim of this course is to learn to read Midrash, the literature of classical Rabbinic Bibilical interpretation. Addressing the literary, historical, and cultural context in which rabbinic Midrash developed, we will get to know a variety of Midrashic collections covering a time span from late antiquity to the Islamic Middle Ages. These works were composed according to a complex set of exegetical and literary rules to be illustrated by the selected readings. Certain Midrashic genres reflect their origins in academic discourses, while others were delivered as public sermons, drawing on parables, legends, and folk lore. Among the topics to be studied are: How did the Rabbis read the Bible? What is the relationship between the plain meaning of the Biblical text and the polyphone interpretations of Midrash? Is Midrash a commentary or a literary discourse in its own right? Initially the Midrashic logic may seem elusive from the viewpoint of a modern Western reader, in turn its creative thinking will prove to be smart, playful, at times even slippery, and yet substantial. All texts will be read in translation.