Difference between revisions of "Rabbinic Literature" - New World Encyclopedia

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'''Rabbinic literature''', in the broadest sense, can mean the entire spectrum of [[Judaism]]'s [[rabbi]]nic writing/s throughout history. However, the term often used is an exact translation of the [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] term '''''Sifrut Hazal''''' (ספרות חז"ל; "Literature [of our] Sages, [of] blessed memory"), where the latter usually refers specifically to literature from the [[Talmud]]ic era. The latter, more specific, sense is how the term is normally used in [[medieval]] and modern rabbinic writing (where ''Hazal'' normally refers ''only'' to the sages of the Talmudic era), and in contemporary academic writing (where "rabbinic literature" refers to [[Talmud]], [[Midrash]], and related writings, but hardly ever to later texts, such as those from the medieval and modern periods).  The term '''''meforshim''''', or '''''parshanim''''', is also used in modern-day [[yeshiva]]s (Talmudical academies), denoting the "[[rabbi]]nical commentaries" of the "commentators".
+
'''Rabbinic literature''', in the broadest sense, can mean the entire spectrum of [[Judaism]]'s [[rabbi]]nic writing/s throughout history. However, the term often used is an exact translation of the [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] term '''''Sifrut Hazal''''' (ספרות חז"ל; "Literature [of our] Sages, [of] blessed memory"), where the latter usually refers specifically to [[literature]] from the [[Talmud]]ic era. The latter, more specific, sense is how the term is normally used in [[medieval]] and modern rabbinic writing (where ''Hazal'' normally refers ''only'' to the sages of the Talmudic era), and in contemporary academic writing (where "rabbinic literature" refers to [[Talmud]], [[Midrash]], and related writings, but hardly ever to later texts, such as those from the medieval and modern periods).  The term '''''meforshim''''', or '''''parshanim''''', is also used in modern-day [[yeshiva]]s (Talmudical academies), denoting the "rabbinical commentaries" of the "commentators."
  
−
This article discusses '''rabbinic literature''' in both senses. It begins with the classic rabbinic literature of the Talmudic era (''Sifrut Hazal''), and then adds a broad survey of rabbinic writing from later periods.
+
This article discusses '''rabbinic literature''' in both senses. It begins with the classic rabbinic literature of the Talmudic era ''(Sifrut Hazal)'', and then adds a broad survey of rabbinic writing from later periods.
  
  
 
==Mishnaic literature==
 
==Mishnaic literature==
−
The [[Mishnah]] and the [[Tosefta]] (compiled from materials pre-dating the year [[200]]) are the earliest extant works of rabbinic literature, expounding and developing Judaism's [[Oral Torah|Oral Law]], as well as ethical teachings.  Following these came the two [[Talmud]]s:
+
The [[Mishnah]] and the [[Tosefta]] (compiled from materials pre-dating the [[year 200]]) are the earliest extant works of rabbinic literature, expounding and developing [[Judaism]]'s [[Oral Torah|Oral Law]], as well as [[ethical teachings]].  Following these came the two [[Talmud]]s:
−
*The [[Jerusalem Talmud]], c. [[450]]
+
*The [[Jerusalem Talmud]], c. 450
−
*The [[Talmud|Babylonian Talmud]], c. [[600]]
+
*The [[Talmud|Babylonian Talmud]], c. 600
 
*The [[minor tractates]] (part of the Babylonian Talmud)
 
*The [[minor tractates]] (part of the Babylonian Talmud)
  
 
==The Midrash==
 
==The Midrash==
−
[[Midrash]] (pl. ''Midrashim'') is a Hebrew word referring to a method of reading details into, or out of, a [[Hebrew Bible|Biblical]] text. The term ''midrash'' also can refer to a compilation of Midrashic teachings, in the form of legal, exegetical, homiletical, or narrative writing, often configured as a commentary on the [[Bible]] or [[Mishnah]].  There are a large number of "classical" Midrashic works spanning a period from [[Mishnaic]] to [[Geonic]] times, often showing evidence of having been worked and reworked from earlier materials, and frequently coming to us in multiple variants.  A compact list of these works [based on {{Harv|Holtz|1984}}] is given below; a more thorough annotated list can be found under [[Midrash]].  The timeline below must be approximate because many of these works were composed over a long span of time, borrowing and collating material from earlier versions; their histories are therefore somewhat uncertain and the subject of scholarly debate.  In the table, "n.e." designates that the work in question is not extant except in secondary references.
+
[[Midrash]] (pl. ''Midrashim'') is a [[Hebrew]] word referring to a method of reading details into, or out of, a [[Hebrew Bible|Biblical]] text. The term ''midrash'' also can refer to a compilation of [[Midrashic teachings]], in the form of legal, exegetical, homiletical, or narrative writing, often configured as a commentary on the [[Bible]] or [[Mishnah]].  There are a large number of "classical" [[Midrashic]] works spanning a period from [[Mishnaic]] to [[Geonic]] times, often showing evidence of having been worked and reworked from earlier materials, and frequently coming to us in multiple variants.  A compact list of these works [based on {{Harv|Holtz|1984}}] is given below; a more thorough annotated list can be found under [[Midrash]].  The timeline below must be approximate because many of these works were composed over a long span of time, borrowing and collating material from earlier versions; their histories are therefore somewhat uncertain and the subject of scholarly debate.  In the table, "n.e." designates that the work in question is not extant except in secondary references.
  
 
{| class="wikitable"  style="text-align:center; font-size:80%"
 
{| class="wikitable"  style="text-align:center; font-size:80%"
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|-
 
|-
 
|
 
|
−
Tannaitic period <br>
+
Tannaitic period <br/>
−
(till 200 CE)
+
(till 200 C.E.)
 
|
 
|
−
[[Mekhilta]] <br>
+
[[Mekhilta]] <br/>
−
[[Mekilta le-Sefer Devarim]] (n.e.)<br>
+
[[Mekilta le-Sefer Devarim]] (n.e.)<br/>
−
[[Sifra]]<br>
+
[[Sifra]]<br/>
 
[[Sifre]]
 
[[Sifre]]
 
|  
 
|  
−
[[Alphabet of Akiba ben Joseph]] (?)<br>
+
[[Alphabet of Akiba ben Joseph]] (?)<br/>
 
|  
 
|  
 
[[Seder Olam Rabbah]]
 
[[Seder Olam Rabbah]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|
 
|
−
400–650 CE
+
400–650 C.E.
 
|
 
|
−
[[Genesis Rabbah]]<br>
+
[[Genesis Rabbah]]<br/>
 
[[Lamentations Rabbah]]
 
[[Lamentations Rabbah]]
 
|
 
|
−
[[Leviticus Rabbah]]<br>
+
[[Leviticus Rabbah]]<br/>
−
[[Pesikta de-Rav Kahana]]<br>
+
[[Pesikta de-Rav Kahana]]<br/>
 
[[Midrash Tanhuma]]
 
[[Midrash Tanhuma]]
 
|
 
|
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|-
 
|-
 
|
 
|
−
650–900 CE
+
650–900 C.E.
 
|
 
|
−
[[Midrash Proverbs]]<br>
+
[[Midrash Proverbs]]<br/>
 
[[Ecclesiastes Rabbah]]
 
[[Ecclesiastes Rabbah]]
 
|
 
|
−
[[Deuteronomy Rabbah]]<br>
+
[[Deuteronomy Rabbah]]<br/>
−
[[Pesikta Rabbati]]<br>
+
[[Pesikta Rabbati]]<br/>
 
[[Avot of Rabbi Natan]]
 
[[Avot of Rabbi Natan]]
 
|
 
|
−
[[Pirkei de-Rabbi Eliezer]]<br>
+
[[Pirkei de-Rabbi Eliezer]]<br/>
 
[[Tanna Devei Eliyahu]]
 
[[Tanna Devei Eliyahu]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|
 
|
−
900–1000 CE
+
900–1000 C.E.
 
|
 
|
−
[[Midrash Psalms]]<br>
+
[[Midrash Psalms]]<br/>
−
[[Exodus Rabbah]]<br>
+
[[Exodus Rabbah]]<br/>
−
[[Ruth Zuta]]<br>
+
[[Ruth Zuta]]<br/>
 
[[Lamentations Zuta]]
 
[[Lamentations Zuta]]
 
|
 
|
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1000–1200
 
1000–1200
 
|
 
|
−
[[Midrash Aggadah]] of [[Moses ha-Darshan]]<br>
+
[[Midrash Aggadah]] of [[Moses ha-Darshan]]<br/>
 
[[Midrash Tadshe]]
 
[[Midrash Tadshe]]
 
|
 
|
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Later
 
Later
 
|
 
|
−
[[Yalkut Shimoni]]<br>
+
[[Yalkut Shimoni]]<br/>
−
[[Midrash ha-Gadol]]<br>
+
[[Midrash ha-Gadol]]<br/>
−
[[Ein Yaakov]]<br>
+
[[Ein Yaakov]]<br/>
 
[[Numbers Rabbah]]
 
[[Numbers Rabbah]]
 
|
 
|
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==Later works by historical period==
 
==Later works by historical period==
 
===Works of the Geonim===
 
===Works of the Geonim===
−
The [[Geonim]] are the rabbis of Sura and Pumbeditha, in [[Babylon]] ([[650]] - [[1250]]) :
+
The [[Geonim]] are the rabbis of [[Sura]] and [[Pumbeditha]], in [[Babylon]] [[(650 - 1250)]] :
 
*''She'iltoth of Acha'i [Gaon]''
 
*''She'iltoth of Acha'i [Gaon]''
−
*''Halachoth Gedoloth''
+
*''[[Halachoth Gedoloth]]''
 
*''[[Emunoth ve-Deoth]]'' ([[Saadia Gaon]])
 
*''[[Emunoth ve-Deoth]]'' ([[Saadia Gaon]])
 
*The ''[[Siddur]]'' by Amram Gaon
 
*The ''[[Siddur]]'' by Amram Gaon
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===Works of the ''Rishonim'' (the "early" rabbinical commentators)===
 
===Works of the ''Rishonim'' (the "early" rabbinical commentators)===
−
The [[Rishonim]] are the rabbis of the early medieval period ([[1000]] - [[1550]])
+
The [[Rishonim]] are the rabbis of the early [[medieval]] period [[(1000 - 1550)]]
 
*The commentaries on the [[Torah]], such as those by [[Rashi]], [[Abraham ibn Ezra]] and [[Nahmanides]].
 
*The commentaries on the [[Torah]], such as those by [[Rashi]], [[Abraham ibn Ezra]] and [[Nahmanides]].
 
*Commentaries on the [[Talmud]], principally by [[Rashi]], his grandson [[Samuel ben Meir]] and [[Nissim of Gerona]].
 
*Commentaries on the [[Talmud]], principally by [[Rashi]], his grandson [[Samuel ben Meir]] and [[Nissim of Gerona]].
−
*Talmudic novellae (''[[chiddushim]]'') by [[Tosafists]], [[Nahmanides]], [[Nissim of Geronda]], [[Solomon ben Aderet]] (RaShBA), [[Yomtov ben Ashbili]] (Ritva)
+
*Talmudic novellae ''([[chiddushim]])'' by [[Tosafists]], [[Nahmanides]], [[Nissim of Geronda]], [[Solomon ben Aderet]] (RaShBA), [[Yomtov ben Ashbili]] (Ritva)
 
*Works of ''[[halakha]]'' ([[Asher ben Yechiel]], [[Mordechai ben Hillel]])
 
*Works of ''[[halakha]]'' ([[Asher ben Yechiel]], [[Mordechai ben Hillel]])
 
*Codices by [[Maimonides]] and [[Jacob ben Asher]], and finally ''[[Shulkhan Arukh]]''
 
*Codices by [[Maimonides]] and [[Jacob ben Asher]], and finally ''[[Shulkhan Arukh]]''
Line 148: Line 149:
  
 
===Works of the ''Acharonim'' (the "later" rabbinical commentators)===
 
===Works of the ''Acharonim'' (the "later" rabbinical commentators)===
−
The [[Acharonim]] are the rabbis from [[1550]] to the present day.
+
The [[Acharonim]] are the [[rabbis]] from [[1550]] to the present day.
−
*Important [[Torah]] commentaries include ''Keli Yakar'' ([[Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz]]), ''Ohr ha-Chayim'' by [[Chayim ben-Attar]], the commentary of [[Samson Raphael Hirsch]], and the commentary of [[Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin]].
+
*Important [[Torah]] commentaries include ''[[Keli Yakar]]'' ([[Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz]]), ''Ohr ha-Chayim'' by [[Chayim ben-Attar]], the commentary of [[Samson Raphael Hirsch]], and the commentary of [[Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin]].
−
*Important works of [[Talmud]]ic novellae include: ''[[Pnei Yehoshua]]'', ''Hafla'ah'', ''Sha'agath Aryei''
+
*Important works of [[Talmud]]ic novellae include: ''[[Pnei Yehoshua]]'', ''[[Hafla'ah]]'', ''[[Sha'agath Aryei]]''
 
*Responsa, e.g. by [[Moses Sofer]], [[Moshe Feinstein]]
 
*Responsa, e.g. by [[Moses Sofer]], [[Moshe Feinstein]]
 
*Works of ''[[halakha]]'' and [[codices]] e.g. ''[[Mishnah Berurah]]'' by [[Yisrael Meir Kagan]] and the ''[[Yechiel Michel Epstein#Aruch ha-Shulchan|Aruch ha-Shulchan]]'' by [[Yechiel Michel Epstein]]
 
*Works of ''[[halakha]]'' and [[codices]] e.g. ''[[Mishnah Berurah]]'' by [[Yisrael Meir Kagan]] and the ''[[Yechiel Michel Epstein#Aruch ha-Shulchan|Aruch ha-Shulchan]]'' by [[Yechiel Michel Epstein]]
−
*Ethical and philosophical works: [[Moshe Chaim Luzzatto]], [[Yisrael Meir Kagan]] and the [[Mussar Movement]]
+
*[[Ethical]] and [[philosophical]] works: [[Moshe Chaim Luzzatto]], [[Yisrael Meir Kagan]] and the [[Mussar Movement]]
 
*[[Hasidic Judaism|Hasidic]] works (''Kedushath Levi'', ''Sefath Emmeth'', ''Shem mi-Shemuel'')
 
*[[Hasidic Judaism|Hasidic]] works (''Kedushath Levi'', ''Sefath Emmeth'', ''Shem mi-Shemuel'')
 
*Philosophical/metaphysical works (the works of the [[Maharal of Prague]], [[Moshe Chaim Luzzatto]] and ''Nefesh ha-Chayim'' by [[Chaim Volozhin|Chaim of Volozhin]])
 
*Philosophical/metaphysical works (the works of the [[Maharal of Prague]], [[Moshe Chaim Luzzatto]] and ''Nefesh ha-Chayim'' by [[Chaim Volozhin|Chaim of Volozhin]])
Line 160: Line 161:
  
 
==Meforshim==<!-- This section is linked from [[Aryeh Kaplan]] —>
 
==Meforshim==<!-- This section is linked from [[Aryeh Kaplan]] —>
−
''Meforshim'' is a [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] word meaning "(classical rabbinical) commentators" (or roughly meaning "[[Exegesis|exegetes]]"), and is used as a substitute for the correct word '''perushim''' which means "commentaries". In [[Judaism]] this term refers to commentaries by the commentators on the [[Torah]] (five books of Moses), [[Tanakh]], the [[Mishnah]], the [[Talmud]], [[responsa]], even the [[siddur]] (Jewish prayerbook), and more.
+
''Meforshim'' is a [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] word meaning "(classical rabbinical) commentators" (or roughly meaning "[[Exegesis|exegetes]]"), and is used as a substitute for the correct word '''perushim''' which means "commentaries." In [[Judaism]] this term refers to commentaries by the commentators on the [[Torah]] (five books of Moses), [[Tanakh]], the [[Mishnah]], the [[Talmud]], [[responsa]], even the [[siddur]] (Jewish prayerbook), and more.
  
 
===Classic Torah and Talmud commentaries===
 
===Classic Torah and Talmud commentaries===
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**[[Abraham ibn Ezra]]
 
**[[Abraham ibn Ezra]]
 
**[[Nahmanides]] (Moshe ben Nahman)
 
**[[Nahmanides]] (Moshe ben Nahman)
−
**[[Samuel ben Meir]], the Rashbam, 12th century France
+
**[[Samuel ben Meir]], the [[Rashbam]], [[12th century]] [[France]]
−
**Rabbi Levi ben Gershom (known as Ralbag or [[Gersonides]])
+
**[[Rabbi]] Levi ben Gershom (known as Ralbag or [[Gersonides]])
−
**David ben Joseph Kimhi, the [[Radak]], 13th century France
+
**David ben Joseph Kimhi, the [[Radak]], [[13th century]] [[France]]
−
**[[Joseph ben Isaac]], the ''Bekhor Shor'', 12th century France
+
**[[Joseph ben Isaac]], the ''Bekhor Shor'', [[12th century]] [[France]]
−
**[[Nissim of Gerona|Nissim ben Reuben Gerondi]], the ''RaN'', 14th century Spain
+
**[[Nissim of Gerona|Nissim ben Reuben Gerondi]], the ''RaN'', [[14th century]] [[Spain]]
−
**[[Isaac Abrabanel|Isaac ben Judah Abravanel]] (1437-1508)
+
**[[Isaac Abrabanel|Isaac ben Judah Abravanel]] ([[1437]]-[[1508]])
−
**[[Obadiah ben Jacob Sforno]], 16th century Italy
+
**[[Obadiah ben Jacob Sforno]], [[16th century]] [[Italy]]
 
*[[Acharonim]]
 
*[[Acharonim]]
−
**The [[Vilna Gaon]], Rabbi Eliyahu of Vilna, 18th century Lithuania
+
**The [[Vilna Gaon]], Rabbi Eliyahu of Vilna, [[18th century]] [[Lithuania]]
 
**The [[Malbim]], Meir Lob ben Jehiel Michael
 
**The [[Malbim]], Meir Lob ben Jehiel Michael
  
−
Classical Talmudic commentaries were written by [[Rashi]]. After Rashi the [[Tosafot]] were written, which was an omnibus commentary on the [[Talmud]] by the disciples and descendants of Rashi; this commentary was based on discussions done in the rabbinic academies of Germany and France.
+
Classical Talmudic commentaries were written by [[Rashi]]. After Rashi the [[Tosafot]] were written, which was an omnibus commentary on the [[Talmud]] by the disciples and descendants of Rashi; this commentary was based on discussions done in the rabbinic academies of [[Germany]] and [[France]].
  
 
===Modern Torah commentaries ===
 
===Modern Torah commentaries ===
−
Modern Torah commentaries which have received wide acclaim in the Jewish community include:
+
Modern Torah commentaries which have received wide acclaim in the [[Jewish]] community include:
 
*[[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]]:
 
*[[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox]]:
 
**''Haemek Davar'' by Rabbi [[Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin]]
 
**''Haemek Davar'' by Rabbi [[Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin]]
Line 206: Line 207:
 
*[[Samson Raphael Hirsch]], ''The Hirsch Siddur'', Feldheim
 
*[[Samson Raphael Hirsch]], ''The Hirsch Siddur'', Feldheim
 
*[[Abraham Isaac Kook]], ''Olat Reyia''
 
*[[Abraham Isaac Kook]], ''Olat Reyia''
−
*The Authorised Daily Prayer Book with commentary by [[Joseph H. Hertz]]
+
*The Authorized Daily [[Prayer]] Book with commentary by [[Joseph H. Hertz]]
 
*Elie Munk, ''The World of Prayer'', Elie Munk
 
*Elie Munk, ''The World of Prayer'', Elie Munk
 
*[[Nosson Scherman]], ''The [[Artscroll]] Siddur'', Mesorah Publications
 
*[[Nosson Scherman]], ''The [[Artscroll]] Siddur'', Mesorah Publications
 
*Reuven Hammer, ''Or Hadash'', [[United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism]]
 
*Reuven Hammer, ''Or Hadash'', [[United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism]]
−
*''My Peoples Prayer Book'', Jewish Lights Publishing, written by a team of non-Orthodox rabbis and Talmud scholars.
+
*''My Peoples [[Prayer]] Book'', [[Jewish]] Lights Publishing, written by a team of non-Orthodox rabbis and Talmud scholars.
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
Line 227: Line 228:
  
 
== External links==
 
== External links==
 +
All links retrieved on November 20, 2007.
 
===General===
 
===General===
−
*[http://ohr.edu/judaism/survey/survey.htm A survey of rabbinic literature]
+
* Spitzer, Jeffrey A. [http://hillel.myjewishlearning.com/texts/about_jewish_texts/What_Are_Jewish_Texts/Timeline50.htm A Timeline of Jewish Texts. How did the different genres of Jewish texts develop chronologically?]. ''My Jewish Learning''.
−
*[http://hillel.myjewishlearning.com/texts/about_jewish_texts/What_Are_Jewish_Texts/Timeline50.htm A timeline of Jewish texts]
+
* ''Digento''. [http://www.digento.de/zusatz/101413_01 Global Jewish Database].
−
*[http://www.digento.de/zusatz/101413_01 Comprehensive listing by category - Global Jewish Database]  
+
* ''Virtual Geula''.[http://www.virtualgeula.com/archival/eng/cat-ti-e.htm#BB Judaica Archival Project].
−
*[http://www.virtualgeula.com/archival/eng/cat-ti-e.htm#BB Judaica archival project]
+
* Abrahams, Israel. [http://www.authorama.com/chapters-on-jewish-literature-1.html Preface]. ''Authorama''.
−
*[http://www.authorama.com/chapters-on-jewish-literature-1.html Chapters On Jewish Literature]
 
  
−
===Links to full text resources===
+
===Link to full text resource===
−
*[http://www.mechon-mamre.org/ Mechon Mamre]
+
* ''The Goldstein Goren International Center for Jewish Thought''. [http://hsf.bgu.ac.il/cjt/files/links.html#sources Primary Sources].
−
*[http://www.halachabrura.org/alephlink.htm Halacha Brura and Birur Halacha Institute]
 
−
*[http://www.eparsha.com/ The Electronic Torah Warehouse]
 
−
*[http://hebrewbooks.org/search.asp hebrewbooks.org]
 
−
*[http://www.seforimonline.org/ seforimonline.org]
 
−
*[http://hsf.bgu.ac.il/cjt/files/links.html#sources Primary Sources @ Ben Gurion University]
 
−
*[http://www.yiwoodmere.org/library/cybrary/talmud.html Young Israel library]
 
  
 
===Glossaries===
 
===Glossaries===
−
*[http://www.indiana.edu/~letrs/help-services/QuickGuides/bar-ilan/judaicglossary.html Judaic glossary]
+
* ''Indiana University''. [http://www.indiana.edu/~letrs/help-services/QuickGuides/bar-ilan/judaicglossary.html Supplemental Glossary to Bar-Ilan's Responsa].
−
*[http://www.jtsa.edu/library/guides/history.shtml Sources@JTS]
 
−
*[http://yucs.org/~jyuter/notes/glossary.html Glossary/Bibliography]
 
  
 
{{Judaismfooter}}
 
{{Judaismfooter}}
  
−
[[Category:Rabbinic literature| ]]
+
[[Category:Philosophy and Religion]]
 +
[[Category:Religion]]
 +
[[Category:History]]
  
 
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Rabbinic literature, in the broadest sense, can mean the entire spectrum of Judaism's rabbinic writing/s throughout history. However, the term often used is an exact translation of the Hebrew term Sifrut Hazal (ספרות חז"ל; "Literature [of our] Sages, [of] blessed memory"), where the latter usually refers specifically to literature from the Talmudic era. The latter, more specific, sense is how the term is normally used in medieval and modern rabbinic writing (where Hazal normally refers only to the sages of the Talmudic era), and in contemporary academic writing (where "rabbinic literature" refers to Talmud, Midrash, and related writings, but hardly ever to later texts, such as those from the medieval and modern periods). The term meforshim, or parshanim, is also used in modern-day yeshivas (Talmudical academies), denoting the "rabbinical commentaries" of the "commentators."

This article discusses rabbinic literature in both senses. It begins with the classic rabbinic literature of the Talmudic era (Sifrut Hazal), and then adds a broad survey of rabbinic writing from later periods.


Mishnaic literature

The Mishnah and the Tosefta (compiled from materials pre-dating the year 200) are the earliest extant works of rabbinic literature, expounding and developing Judaism's Oral Law, as well as ethical teachings. Following these came the two Talmuds:

  • The Jerusalem Talmud, c. 450
  • The Babylonian Talmud, c. 600
  • The minor tractates (part of the Babylonian Talmud)

The Midrash

Midrash (pl. Midrashim) is a Hebrew word referring to a method of reading details into, or out of, a Biblical text. The term midrash also can refer to a compilation of Midrashic teachings, in the form of legal, exegetical, homiletical, or narrative writing, often configured as a commentary on the Bible or Mishnah. There are a large number of "classical" Midrashic works spanning a period from Mishnaic to Geonic times, often showing evidence of having been worked and reworked from earlier materials, and frequently coming to us in multiple variants. A compact list of these works [based on (Holtz 1984)] is given below; a more thorough annotated list can be found under Midrash. The timeline below must be approximate because many of these works were composed over a long span of time, borrowing and collating material from earlier versions; their histories are therefore somewhat uncertain and the subject of scholarly debate. In the table, "n.e." designates that the work in question is not extant except in secondary references.

Extra-canonical rabbinical literature ("n.e." designates "not extant")
Estimated date Exegetical Homiletical Narrative

Tannaitic period
(till 200 C.E.)

Mekhilta
Mekilta le-Sefer Devarim (n.e.)
Sifra
Sifre

Alphabet of Akiba ben Joseph (?)

Seder Olam Rabbah

400–650 C.E.

Genesis Rabbah
Lamentations Rabbah

Leviticus Rabbah
Pesikta de-Rav Kahana
Midrash Tanhuma

Seder Olam Zutta

650–900 C.E.

Midrash Proverbs
Ecclesiastes Rabbah

Deuteronomy Rabbah
Pesikta Rabbati
Avot of Rabbi Natan

Pirkei de-Rabbi Eliezer
Tanna Devei Eliyahu

900–1000 C.E.

Midrash Psalms
Exodus Rabbah
Ruth Zuta
Lamentations Zuta

1000–1200

Midrash Aggadah of Moses ha-Darshan
Midrash Tadshe

Sefer ha-Yashar

Later

Yalkut Shimoni
Midrash ha-Gadol
Ein Yaakov
Numbers Rabbah

Later works by category

Major codes of Jewish law

Main article: Halakha
  • Mishneh Torah
  • Arba'ah Turim
  • Shulchan Aruch
  • Beit Yosef
  • Hayyei Adam
  • The Responsa literature

Jewish thought and ethics

Jewish philosophy

    • Philo
    • Isaac Israeli
    • Emunot v'Dayyot
    • Guide to the Perplexed
    • Bachya ibn Pakuda
    • Sefer Ikkarim
    • Wars of the Lord
    • Or Adonai
  • Kabbalah
    • Etz ha-Hayim
    • Sefer ha-Bahir
    • Zohar
    • Pardes Rimonim
  • Aggada
  • The works of Hasidic Judaism
    • Likutei Amarim
  • Jewish ethics and the Mussar Movement
    • Mesillat Yesharim
    • Shaarei Teshuva
    • Orchot Tzaddikim
    • Sefer Chasidim

Liturgy

  • The Siddur and Jewish liturgy
  • Piyyutim (Classical Jewish poetry)

Later works by historical period

Works of the Geonim

The Geonim are the rabbis of Sura and Pumbeditha, in Babylon (650 - 1250) :

  • She'iltoth of Acha'i [Gaon]
  • Halachoth Gedoloth
  • Emunoth ve-Deoth (Saadia Gaon)
  • The Siddur by Amram Gaon
  • Responsa

Works of the Rishonim (the "early" rabbinical commentators)

The Rishonim are the rabbis of the early medieval period (1000 - 1550)

  • The commentaries on the Torah, such as those by Rashi, Abraham ibn Ezra and Nahmanides.
  • Commentaries on the Talmud, principally by Rashi, his grandson Samuel ben Meir and Nissim of Gerona.
  • Talmudic novellae (chiddushim) by Tosafists, Nahmanides, Nissim of Geronda, Solomon ben Aderet (RaShBA), Yomtov ben Ashbili (Ritva)
  • Works of halakha (Asher ben Yechiel, Mordechai ben Hillel)
  • Codices by Maimonides and Jacob ben Asher, and finally Shulkhan Arukh
  • Responsa, e.g. by Solomon ben Aderet (RaShBA)
  • Kabbalistic works (such as the Zohar)
  • Philosophical works (Maimonides, Gersonides, Nahmanides)
  • Ethical works (Bahya ibn Paquda, Jonah of Gerona)

Works of the Acharonim (the "later" rabbinical commentators)

The Acharonim are the rabbis from 1550 to the present day.

  • Important Torah commentaries include Keli Yakar (Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz), Ohr ha-Chayim by Chayim ben-Attar, the commentary of Samson Raphael Hirsch, and the commentary of Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin.
  • Important works of Talmudic novellae include: Pnei Yehoshua, Hafla'ah, Sha'agath Aryei
  • Responsa, e.g. by Moses Sofer, Moshe Feinstein
  • Works of halakha and codices e.g. Mishnah Berurah by Yisrael Meir Kagan and the Aruch ha-Shulchan by Yechiel Michel Epstein
  • Ethical and philosophical works: Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, Yisrael Meir Kagan and the Mussar Movement
  • Hasidic works (Kedushath Levi, Sefath Emmeth, Shem mi-Shemuel)
  • Philosophical/metaphysical works (the works of the Maharal of Prague, Moshe Chaim Luzzatto and Nefesh ha-Chayim by Chaim of Volozhin)
  • Mystical works
  • Historical works, e.g. Shem ha-Gedolim by Chaim Joseph David Azulai.

Meforshim

Meforshim is a Hebrew word meaning "(classical rabbinical) commentators" (or roughly meaning "exegetes"), and is used as a substitute for the correct word perushim which means "commentaries." In Judaism this term refers to commentaries by the commentators on the Torah (five books of Moses), Tanakh, the Mishnah, the Talmud, responsa, even the siddur (Jewish prayerbook), and more.

Classic Torah and Talmud commentaries

Classic Torah and/or Talmud commentaries have been written by the following individuals:

  • Geonim
  • Rishonim
    • Rashi (Shlomo Yitzchaki), 12th century France
    • Abraham ibn Ezra
    • Nahmanides (Moshe ben Nahman)
    • Samuel ben Meir, the Rashbam, 12th century France
    • Rabbi Levi ben Gershom (known as Ralbag or Gersonides)
    • David ben Joseph Kimhi, the Radak, 13th century France
    • Joseph ben Isaac, the Bekhor Shor, 12th century France
    • Nissim ben Reuben Gerondi, the RaN, 14th century Spain
    • Isaac ben Judah Abravanel (1437-1508)
    • Obadiah ben Jacob Sforno, 16th century Italy
  • Acharonim
    • The Vilna Gaon, Rabbi Eliyahu of Vilna, 18th century Lithuania
    • The Malbim, Meir Lob ben Jehiel Michael

Classical Talmudic commentaries were written by Rashi. After Rashi the Tosafot were written, which was an omnibus commentary on the Talmud by the disciples and descendants of Rashi; this commentary was based on discussions done in the rabbinic academies of Germany and France.

Modern Torah commentaries

Modern Torah commentaries which have received wide acclaim in the Jewish community include:

  • Orthodox:
    • Haemek Davar by Rabbi Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin
    • The Chofetz Chaim
    • Torah Temimah of Baruch ha-Levi Epstein
    • Kerem HaTzvi, by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch Ferber
    • Sefat Emet (Lips of Truth), Yehudah Aryeh Leib of Ger, 19th century Europe
    • The "Pentateuch and Haftaras" by Joseph H. Hertz
    • The Torah commentary of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch
    • Nechama Leibowitz, a noted woman scholar
    • Ha-Ketav veha-Kabbalah by Rabbi Yaakov Zwi Meckelenburg
    • The Soncino Books of the Bible
  • Conservative Judaism:
    • The five volume JPS Commentary on the Torah by Nahum M. Sarna, Baruch A. Levine, Jacob Milgrom and Jeffrey H. Tigay
    • Etz Hayim: A Torah Commentary by David L. Lieber, Harold Kushner and Chaim Potok

Modern Siddur commentaries

Modern Siddur commentaries have been written by:

  • Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan HaCohen, The Chofetz Chaim's Siddur
  • Samson Raphael Hirsch, The Hirsch Siddur, Feldheim
  • Abraham Isaac Kook, Olat Reyia
  • The Authorized Daily Prayer Book with commentary by Joseph H. Hertz
  • Elie Munk, The World of Prayer, Elie Munk
  • Nosson Scherman, The Artscroll Siddur, Mesorah Publications
  • Reuven Hammer, Or Hadash, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
  • My Peoples Prayer Book, Jewish Lights Publishing, written by a team of non-Orthodox rabbis and Talmud scholars.

See also

  • The Traditional Jewish Bookshelf
  • Torah databases (electronic versions of traditional Jewish texts)
  • Moses in rabbinic literature
  • List of rabbis
  • List of Jewish Prayers and Blessings
  • Table of books of Judeo-Christian Scripture

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Holtz, Barry W. 1984. Back to the sources reading the classic Jewish texts. New York: Summit Books. ISBN 0671454676 and ISBN 9780671454678
  • Neusner, Jacob. 1994. Introduction to rabbinic literature. The Anchor Bible reference library. New York: Doubleday. ISBN 0385470932 and ISBN 9780385470933
  • Strack, Hermann L. 1974. Introduction to the Talmud and Midrash. New York: Atheneum. ISBN 0689701896 and ISBN 9780689701894
  • Safrai, Shemuel. 1987. The Literature of the Sages. First part Oral Tora, Halakha, Mishna, Tosefta, Talmud, External Tractates. Compendia rerum Iudaicarum ad Novum Testamentum, 3, Part 1. Assen, Netherlands: Van Gorcum. ISBN 0800606051 and ISBN 9780800606053

External links

All links retrieved on November 20, 2007.

General

Link to full text resource

  • The Goldstein Goren International Center for Jewish Thought. Primary Sources.

Glossaries

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