Paul used an “allegory” to communicate to non-Jewish followers of Messiah Yeshua. But is allegory the same as midrash? In this post, I will show the difference between Jewish midrash and the popular Greek genre called allegory. In Galatians 4:21-31, Paul said, “I speak allegorically”, so his non-Jewish audience would know how to properly interpret … Continue reading Is Midrash The Same As Allegory? Galatians 4:21-31 Vs. Luke 3:21-4:15.

“The Song of Songs is the parable that Solomon formulated in order that the people will understand the Torah.” (Boyarin, p103). I am often asked, “What is midrash”, and I think to myself, “how much time do I have to explain?!” The word midrash, just to start, can refer to a method of interpretation or … Continue reading What Is Midrash?

I think the writer of the Gospel of Matthew wrote a delightful midrash in his account of Yeshua’s birth. The writer cleverly weaves several verses of Scripture together in one quotation and gives us a rich meditation on the Mission and calling of Yeshua to usher in the Kingdom of Heaven. First a little story … Continue reading They Will Call His Name Immanuel

This Mishnah teaches that natiylat-yadayim (ritual hand-washing) and table fellowship are of great importance. This post will discuss how tzedakah (charitable disposition in deeds) is essential for table fellowship. Mishnah Yadayim 2:4 states: “Concerning the case for “the uncertain ritual purity status of hands at table fellowship”, do they transmit uncleanness (tamei’, or unclean) or … Continue reading Mishnah Yadayim 2.4: Table Fellowship And Yeshua’s Doctrine.

Having discussed נשמה, neshamah in part 1, now I will move to the other two Hebrew words for “soul”: נפש, nefesh and רוח, ruach. In the Mussar book, “The Ways of the Righteous”, the nefesh and ruach are likened as two masters of our soul. These two, however, are subordinate to the neshamah. This can … Continue reading 3 Hebrew Words For A Human Soul: Neshamah, Nefesh, Ruach. Part 2: Nefesh and Ruach.