Why does the Ancient One demand the death of so many nations in the Old Testament?
Why are the laws so specific as to killing non-Jews and Jews for various offenses (see Leviticus and Numbers)?
Simple: the Almighty knew that those nations He commanded Israel to wipe out were evil. Again, read the Hebrew Bible - I suggest the Artscroll Stone Edition Chumash.
Sondra, you do NOT understand the Eucharist.
True
Study the Catholic scripture and midrash (early Church Fathers) and you will better understand that your reference article and assertions are without merit.
The promise God made to Abraham was for “all nations.”
The history of that stubborn-necked people and the Prophets God sent to them to keep putting them back on track ended with God (as Man) among us (Emmanuel).
Midrash - Early Church Fathers? You are mistaken, Rbt.
What is the Midrash?
by Rabbi Mendy Hecht
A. “Midrash” means “exposition.” The Midrash (or Medrash) is probably the most referred-to collection of explanatory works on Tanach, next to Rashi. The Midrash, or Midrashim, fills in the gaps behind the oft-times sketchy, skeletal narrative of the Torah, Nevi’im and Ketuvim. It adds meat to its bones, telling us things we otherwise would never know, mainly the dialogues between the Torah’s figures and details of their lives. As such, the Midrash is a vital, true part of the Oral Torah.
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…
C. The Midrash consists of a large number of individually written books on various sections of Tanach, or on the entire Tanach. A prominent example of a Midrash is the Midrash Rabbah, which adds critical details to the five books of the Chumash. There is also the Midrash Tanchuma on the Chumash (written by Rabbi Tanchuma, a Talmudic sage), the Yalkut Shim’oni, the Midrash Agadah… and Avot D’Rabbi Natan, Mechilta, Midrash Hagadol, Pirkei D’Rabbi Eliezer, Sifra, Sifri and many more. Each elaborates on all or part of the Written Torah. None, however, should be taken lightly: unfortunately, the misconception exists that midrashim are mere tales or legends. They are not, and the assumption that one can write their own book of Biblical fiction on the assumption that the authors of the Midrash did the same is the most tragic result thereof.
How can I study Midrash?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Chabad.com for your nearest one.
Only Orthodox assert what you repeat. Reform does not.
Which Jew is the better informed?
Reform Jews are NOT Torah observant. Therefore, the Orthodox Jew is the better informed.
