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Midrash rabba
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Midrash rabba

Judaism
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Midrash Rabba is a significant collection of Jewish commentaries on the Hebrew Bible, primarily focusing on the Torah (Pentateuch) and the Five Megillot. The term "Midrash" itself refers to a mode of biblical interpretation prominent in Talmudic literature, used to explain and expand upon scriptural texts.12

Midrash Rabba is a composite work, with different parts originating from various periods and differing in nature. Its oldest section, Genesis Rabba, dates to the 5th century and offers a verse-by-verse commentary. Later sections, like Leviticus Rabba (6th century), are more in the form of homilies.1

The purpose of Midrash is to reconcile apparent contradictions in the Bible, establish scriptural bases for new laws, and imbue biblical content with deeper meaning. This interpretive method involves both logical reasoning and careful textual analysis. While Midrash Rabba focuses on biblical texts, other Haggadic compilations address ethics and narrative independently.31

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4 Britannica Sources
  1. Talmud and Midrash - Haggadic
  2. Midrash
  3. Talmud and Midrash - Modes of interpretation and thought
  4. Talmud and Midrash - The making of the Mishna: 2nd–3rd centuries

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