How to read the Mishnah and Midrash : an introduction to early Rabbinic literature / Ishay Rosen-Zvi ; translated by Daniel Tabak.

Author/creator Rosen-Zvi, Ishay author.
Other author Tabak, Daniel, translator.
Format Book
PublicationOakland, California : University of California Press, [2026]
Descriptionviii, 455 pages : illustrations ; 27 cm
Subjects
Rabbinical literature--History and criticism.

Contents Introduction : the emergence of Halakhic literature -- The form of the Mishnah -- The Mishnah's sources and layers -- The Mishnah's legal sources -- The editing of the Mishnah -- The Mishnah as a composition -- Aggadah and halakhah in the Mishnah -- The transmission and textual history of the Mishnah -- The Tosefta and the Mishnah -- Epilogue : the Mishnah and future scholarship -- Introduction : understanding Midrash -- Biblical interpretation in Second Temple literature -- The schools of Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Yishmael -- The motivations of Midrash -- Midrash's conception of the biblical text -- The self-awareness and didacticism of Midrash -- Aggadah in the Midrash -- The Midrash and the Mishnah -- The editing and transmission of the Midrash -- Epilogue : the Midrash and future scholarship.
Abstract "This book offers a new introduction to early Rabbinic literature, exploring the distinctive nature of these foundational works of Jewish thought. It offers readers not an intimate understanding of how Midrash and Mishnah function and essential tools for engaging with these texts in depth. The early rabbinic period produced two major literary formations--Mishnah and Midrash--which have since remained central pillars of Jewish textual tradition: the systematic study of scripture through Midrash and the thematic study of halakha through Mishnah. In many ways, all subsequent rabbinic literature emerged from the framework established by these two genres. The Mishnah, for the first time in Jewish intellectual history, presented a comprehensive legal system independent of the Bible, encompassing a remarkably broad spectrum of legal topics--from ritual law to civil disputes, capital legislation, marital status, and beyond--woven into a coherent and autonomous legal corpus. Midrash is the first comprehensive running commentary of the Pentateuch, marked by its interpretive freedom and creative playfulness. Through a systematic analysis and hundreds of examples, this book serves as a hands-on companion to the Mishnah and Midrash in action, offering readers a deeper appreciation of their structure, methodology, and enduring impact"-- Provided by publisher.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references and indexes.
Terms of useThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND) license. To view a copy of the license, visit. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.
Issued in other formOnline version: Rosen-Zvi, Ishay. How to read the Mishnah and Midrash Oakland, California : University of California Press, [2025] 9780520389854
LCCN 2025017594
ISBN9780520389847
ISBN9780520389830 hardcover
ISBN0520389832 hardcover
ISBN0520389840 paperback
ISBNelectronic book

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