The Theological Foundations of Rabbinic Midrash (Studies in Judaism)
Worth buying if: interested in Jacob Neusner’s methodical analysis of Midrash.
Skip it if: seeking a devotional guide to Midrash or pastoral applications.
Exact edition: Edition shown · ISBN-13 9780761834892. The Amazon link uses this ISBN, so the product page should open to the edition shown here.
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Summary
In The Theological Foundations of Rabbinic Midrash Neusner examines how rabbinic authors used Midrashic method to build theology—linking biblical interpretation, halakhah, and aggadic storytelling across classical rabbinic sources.
Why this book now
Neusner’s 2006 study remains a clear waypoint for readers comparing modern theology and classical rabbinic exegesis in Judaic studies curricula.
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Best for readers who...
Good fit if you want...
- interested in Jacob Neusner’s methodical analysis of Midrash.
- studying rabbinic sources, halakhah, or aggadic theology.
- seeking a devotional guide to Midrash or pastoral applications.
- expecting a short primer—this 342-page study is academic and detailed.
Decided it fits?
Exact edition: Edition shown · ISBN-13 9780761834892
Worth buying if: interested in Jacob Neusner’s methodical analysis of Midrash.
Skip it if: seeking a devotional guide to Midrash or pastoral applications.
Check Amazon for the current price and availability of this exact edition.
Reader guide
Cues to help you decide faster.
Reading commitment
Balanced Moderate time
At about 342 pages, expect a sustained academic read—best for multiple sittings with close attention to primary rabbinic passages and Neusner’s arguments.
What stands out here
This University Press of America edition foregrounds Neusner’s systematic arguments about theological categories within rabbinic Midrash rather than a literary anthology of midrashic texts.
Best way to approach it
Approach with a notebook and parallel text copies of referenced rabbinic passages; read chapters slowly to track Neusner’s technical distinctions and citations.
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Exact edition: ISBN-13 9780761834892
Check Amazon for the current price and availability of this exact edition.