More Midrash
More Midrash
Rabbi Jay Asher LeVine
Rabbi Jay Asher LeVine explores imaginative rabbinic readings of the Hebrew Bible. Each interpretation, called a "midrash", gives us insight into sacred stories from the Jewish tradition, and ultimately into the sacred story of our own lives.
26. Assorted Ideas on Death and the Afterlife
Bereishit Rabbah 96. Shadows, true kindness, and bones rolling to the Holy Land.
Dec 18, 2021
14 min
25. Expanding ‘Approach’
Bereishit Rabbah 93:3-4. Two takes on what it means that Judah approached Joseph to ask for mercy.
Dec 9, 2021
8 min
24. Decoding Pharaoh’s Dream
Bereishit Rabbah 89:4. Who needs Joseph? The midrash offers its own take on Pharaoh's dreams.
Dec 9, 2021
14 min
23. Joseph’s Coat (feat. Rabbi Laura Rumpf)
Bereishit Rabbah 88:4. The midrash discusses the meaning of ben zekunim "son of old age"; favoritism; and various meanings of ketonet passim "coat of passim".
Nov 25, 2021
23 min
22. Jacob Prays
Bereishit Rabbah 75:13 Jacob prays to God as he fearfully anticipates meeting his estranged brother Esau after decades apart.
Nov 18, 2021
11 min
21. Place and Prayer (feat. Rabbi Laura Rumpf)
Bereishit Rabbah 68:9. Jacob encounters The Place. Also three opinions on where the daily prayers come from. We welcome guest Rabbi Laura Rumpf (and our son Ami giggles in the background.)
Nov 8, 2021
14 min
20. A Fair Enough Reward
Bereishit Rabbah 64:10 This midrash begins with a problem in the biblical text, solves it with a technical maneuver, and then illustrates the broader point with a story that is summed up by a parable.
Nov 3, 2021
11 min
19. One Who Pursues Righteousness
Bereishit Rabbah 58:9 The midrash applies a proverb to Abraham.
Oct 26, 2021
10 min
18. Sitting Under the Shekhinah
Bereishit Rabbah 48:7 God visits Abraham while the patriarch sits. Should he have stood up in order to acknowledge the Divine Presence?
Oct 17, 2021
9 min
17. Fame and Fortune
Bereishit Rabbah 39:11. Four biblical figures circulate coinage, according to the midrash.
Oct 11, 2021
10 min
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