Questions tagged [midrash]
Exegetical interpretation, often of verses in Tanach. The term also refers to books based on these interpretations, e.g., Midrash Rabba, Midrash Tanchuma, et al.
690
questions
7
votes
2
answers
2k
views
How were Achiman, Sheshai and Talmai "Sons of Giants"?
In Bamidbar 13:22, the Torah tells us that the spies saw Achiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the sons of Giants. Rashi tells us they were the descendants of Shamchazai and Azael, angels who fell from heaven ...
- 44.7k
11
votes
3
answers
1k
views
What were the 300 plagues of the Exodus?
The הגדה says:
במצרים לקו חמשים מכות, ועל הים לקו חמשים ומאתים מכות
In Egypt, they were struck with 50 plagues, and by the Sea [of Reeds], they were struck with 250 plagues
What were ...
- 767
3
votes
1
answer
234
views
Shmuel Yosef Agnon's Nobel Prize Speech Audio?
Does anyone know where I can find a recording of Shmuel Yosef Agnon's speech for winning the Nobel Prize?
- 675
12
votes
7
answers
2k
views
Why did Esther make two parties; why not just one?
What was the purpose of the two parties that Esther made for Haman and Achashverosh (Esther 5:4–8 and chapter 7), if one could have done the job? In other words, what happened that she needed a ...
- 33.3k
1
vote
1
answer
80
views
"Vaz Chatasee".........
The Medresh says that Moshe said to Hashem "Vaz Chatasee" with the word Az I have sinned and with the word Az I will say Shirah to you. What does the Medresh means when it says Moshe said with the ...
- 4,551
3
votes
2
answers
163
views
Pharoh's privacy at the Nile
How did Pharaoh prevent people from seeing him use the Bathroom at the Nile?
We know he went early morning, but what prevented others from seeing him?
A source for this information would be ...
- 688
4
votes
4
answers
330
views
How did Hashem hide the light from the wicked? What do Chazal mean by this?
Rashi says in Breaishis Chapter 1, Verse 4:
אף בזה אנו צריכים לדברי אגדה ראהו שאינו כדאי להשתמש בו רשעים והבד��לו לצדיקים לעתיד לבא.
"Even this requires words of Aggadah, He saw that it was not fit ...
- 6,836
28
votes
9
answers
3k
views
Does one have to take a Midrash/Aggadah literally?
Does one have to take a Midrash/Aggadah literally?
- 6,836
5
votes
6
answers
644
views
Why is the test (Nisayon) of Kivshan Haish not mentioned in the Torah?
One of the difficult tests Avraham Avinu faced was when Nimrod threw him into the (Kivshan Haish) fire. It is not mentioned in the Torah at all. Why?
- 140k
3
votes
6
answers
419
views
What else was in the Ark (Teiva)?
I heard that there is a Medrash that says that besides Noach, his wife, 3 sons, 3 daughters-in-law, animals, birds, and garbage there were others in the Teiva. What else was in the Teiva?
- 140k
1
vote
1
answer
97
views
What is the explanation of this Medrash about Moshe entering Eretz Yisroel?
The Medrash says that Moshe tells Hashem "it says in your Torah that if a slave says 'I love my master and children and I do not wish to go free' then he stays in his servitude, and I do both". Hashem ...
- 33.3k
16
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Why do we say that Hashem chose us if He offered to the Torah to all the other nations first?
According to Midrash Sifri (Deuteronomy 343), Hashem first went around to all the nations and offered them the Torah before offering it to Bnei Yisroel. So why do we say in Kiddush and Birchas ...
- 33.3k
3
votes
1
answer
262
views
What is the significance of fire, water, and desert?
Why does the Medrash on Bamidbar say that the Torah was given with three thing: Fire, Water,and Desert?
- 33.3k
11
votes
6
answers
557
views
God's Pair of Teffilin
How is it that when Moshe turns his head not to see God's face, he sees He's got on teffilin? I thought God had no physical form.
kimbo
8
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Why did Hashem offer the Torah to all the other nations?
Why did Hashem bother to ask all the other nations if they wanted to get the Torah when He knew they'd say no? (See Midrash Sifri, Deuteronomy 343)
(I already know Hashem is beyond time)
- 1,405