Torah Speaks in the Language of Human Beings

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1. Peshat and Derash – Midrash Aggada

   Part 1 - Introduction and the Attitude of the Geonim to Midrash

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   What are the definitions of Peshat are Derash? Which of the two is the central way of interpreting the Torah? What was the attitude of the Geonim to Midrash?

2. Rashi

   Part 2

   Dr. Avigail Rock

   Rashi’s commentary is composed, for the most part, of adapted midrashim. What motivates Rashi to turn to midrashim that apparently do not explicate the peshat?

   • A difficulty in the verses that has no reconciliation with the peshat.

   • The Torah does not speak in the human vernacular. Rashi adopts R. Akiva’s approach, according to which every word has meaning and significance. Therefore, one should be precise with biblical language, and even when the reader has no difficulty understanding the verses, one may derive information from some extraneous element in the text.
   • Maintaining the internal logic and sequence of the text by filling in lacunae.
   • When the verse and its midrash constitute excellent opportunities to transmit a spiritual or ethical message, Rashi cites the midrash even though there is no exegetical need for it.

3. A Celebration of Possibilities: Between Tradition and Innovation in Parshanut HaMikra

   Rabbi Dr. Moshe Sokolow

   תאריך פרסום: תשפ”ה | | 59 minutes

   The lecture discusses the understanding of the Oral Torah, examining the tension between tradition and innovation, and between authority and autonomy. It presents how the Torah, despite being divine, contains broad principles that allow for expansion and interpretation according to changing circumstances. The historical overview includes examples from Rashi's commentary, the disputes of Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel, and the opinions of later sages, and emphasizes how dialogue and discussion are at the heart of the Jewish approach to learning, which accepts the multiplicity of possibilities in Torah interpretation.