14. The Merit of Meager Offerings
Vayikra Rabbah 3:5. The sacrifice of those with little means takes precedence over the sacrifice of the wealthy. Three stories teach the theme, includ...
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About
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.
13. Introduction to Vayikra Rabbah
Hi. I’m Jay. Welcome to More Midrash. I started this podcast as a new way to explore midrash, to read these ancient Jewish texts closely with anyone n...
12. Jacob: The End Draws Close
Bereishit Rabbah 96:1. In the Torah scroll, every parashah begins on a new line or after a significant space from the last word of the previous parash...
11. Judah and Joseph: The Meaning of Approach
Bereishit Rabbah 93:4. Judah approaches Joseph, in defense of Benjamin. How does Judah’s approach transcend the danger and become a spiritual model fo...
10. Joseph and His Brothers: Sparking the Holy Spirit
Bereishit Rabbah 91:7. Joseph and his brothers meet after many years. He recognizes them, but they don't recognize him. Yet maybe they know more than ...
09. Joseph and the Cupbearer: Memory and Hope
Bereishit Rabbah 88:7. Joseph interprets the cupbearer's dream in prison. But when the cupbearer is restored to his position he forgets about Joseph. ...
08. Jacob and Job: Seeking Wholeness
Bereishit Rabbah 79:3. Job suffered, and gained wholeness. Jacob arrived home in wholeness. The post 08. Jacob and Job: Seeking Wholeness appeared fi...
07. Jacob and Naomi: People Over Place
Bereishit Rabbah 68:6. Jacob and Noami both leave their homes. The midrash sees their departure as a great loss. What can we learn from their departur...
06. Rebecca: In Search of Answers
Bereishit Rabbah 63:6. Rebecca becomes pregnant with twins. They struggle (va-yit-rotzetzu) within her, and she wonders why she exists. Can we learn f...
05. Sarah and Rebecca: Sunset, Sunrise
Bereishit Rabbah 58:2. This midrash from Bereishit Rabbah finds significance in the juxtoposition of the genealogical notice that Rebecca has been bor...