Mekhilta de-Rabbi Ishmael (English)
Overview
Mekhilta de-Rabbi Ishmael is a classic collection of midrash. It contains commentary on a large part of the Book of Exodus (chapters 12 to 23) and represents the two main modes of interpretation: the halakhah (legal doctrine), and the aggadah (moral and religious teachings). The work also contains allusions to historical events and ancient legends not found elsewhere. A new introduction by noted scholar David Stern highlights the work. It retains the original text—based on manuscript and early editions—from the JPS 1933 edition.This classic work is widely recognized as a model of meticulous and thorough scholarship. Its translation is accurate, straightforward, and usable by scholars, students, and lay readers. Out of print for many years, Mekhilta de-Rabbi Ishmael should belong to every rabbi, rabbinical school, and Jewish Studies professor, or anyone interested in midrash. Jacob Lauterbach (1873–1942) was born in Galicia, studied in Germany, and received rabbinical ordination. In 1903 he immigrated to America and later became professor of Talmud at the Hebrew Union College. A prolific author, his greatest work is considered to be his edition of the Mekhilta, originally published in 1933. This resource contains the English translation of the Mekhilta de-Rabbi Ishmael.
Top Highlights
“Why were the Ten Commandments not said at the beginning of the Torah? They give a parable. To what may this be compared? To the following: A king who entered a province said to the people: May I be your king? But the people said to him: Have you done anything good for us that you should rule over us? What did he do then? He built the city wall for them, he brought in the water supply for them, and he fought their battles. Then when he said to them: May I be your king? They said to him: Yes, yes. Likewise, God. He brought the Israelites out of Egypt, divided the sea for them, sent down the manna for them, brought up the well for them, brought the quails for them. He fought for them the battle with Amalek. Then He said to them: I am to be your king. And they said to Him: Yes, yes.” (Pages 313–314)
“Scripture, therefore, would not let the nations of the world have an excuse for saying that there are two Powers, but declares: ‘I am the Lord thy God.’” (Page 314)
“Nathan says: From this one can cite a refutation of the heretics who say: There are two Powers.” (Page 315)
“Aramaic, can be translated as ‘The Treatises According to Rabbi Ishmael” (Page ix)
- Title: Mekhilta de-Rabbi Ishmael (English)
- Author: Jacob Z. Lauterbach
- Edition: New ed.
- Series: Mekhilta de-Rabbi Ishmael
- Publisher: Jewish Publication Society
- Print Publication Date: 2004
- Logos Release Date: 2008
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Bible. O.T. Exodus › Commentaries--Early works to 1800
- Resource ID: LLS:MEKISHEN
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-02-12T07:26:15Z