Torah interpretation is a complex art, blending literal and mystical approaches. From the straightforward peshat to the esoteric sod, rabbis have developed intricate systems to unpack layers of meaning. This rich tradition allows Jews to continually find new relevance in ancient texts.

Commentators like Rashi and Ramban offer diverse perspectives on Torah passages. Their insights, along with midrashic expansions and mystical readings, create a tapestry of interpretation. This multifaceted approach keeps the Torah vibrant and applicable across generations.

Key terms in Torah interpretation

Levels of interpretation

• Peshat refers to the literal, plain, or simple meaning of the Torah text
  • Straightforward interpretation of the verses
• Derash, or midrash, is the interpretive meaning that goes beyond the literal
  • Expounds upon the text, often drawing out moral lessons or mystical insights
• Sod is the secret or mystical meaning of the text
  • Delves into Kabbalistic and esoteric interpretations
  • Looks for hidden meanings and spiritual allegories

PaRDeS system

• The four levels of interpretation are called PaRDeS
  • Peshat (literal), Remez (allusion), Derash (interpretive), and Sod (mystical)
  • Together they allow for extracting different layers of meaning
• The Oral Torah, passed down through generations, is essential for unlocking the full depth of meaning in the Written Torah

Role of Midrash in Torah interpretation

Expanding narratives

• Midrash, meaning "to investigate" or "study," is the body of rabbinic literature that interprets and expands upon the Torah
• Often fills in gaps in the biblical narrative
  • Provides background details
  • Fleshes out characters and storylines (Abraham's childhood, Moses in Pharaoh's court)
• Frequently draws moral and ethical lessons from the actions and lives of biblical figures
  • Derives practical wisdom (hospitality, kindness, faith)

Reconciling contradictions and revealing hidden meanings

• Can reconcile apparent contradictions in verses by providing additional explanatory details
  • Two different names for Moses' father-in-law (Reuel and Jethro)
  • Varied listings of the Ten Commandments (Exodus vs Deuteronomy)
• Some midrashim focus on revealing the mystical and allegorical meanings embedded in the Torah text
  • Jacob's dream of the ladder as a metaphor for prayer ascending
  • Splitting of the Sea as a symbol of personal transformation
• Well-known midrashic works include Genesis Rabbah, Exodus Rabbah, and Midrash Tanhuma
  • The midrashim are often anthologized in the Midrash Rabbah

Schools of Torah commentary: Rashi vs Ramban

Rashi's commentary

• Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, 1040-1105) wrote the most widely studied Torah commentary
• Focuses heavily on peshat, concisely explaining the plain meaning
  • Also incorporates midrash and Talmudic explanations
• Rashi's grandsons, the Tosafists, continued his work
  • Added glosses and expanded his commentaries

Contrasting commentaries

• Ramban (Nahmanides, Rabbi Moshe ben Nahman, 1194-1270) wrote a commentary often contrasted with Rashi
  • Frequently disagrees with Rashi's interpretations
  • Incorporates more philosophical and Kabbalistic ideas, seeing symbolism and esotericism in the text
• Ibn Ezra (Rabbi Abraham ben Meir ibn Ezra, 1092-1167) was a more rationalist commentator
  • Used Hebrew grammar and the tools of peshat to concisely explain difficulties
  • Avoided midrash and non-literal interpretations
• The Baal HaTurim (Rabbi Yaakov ben Asher, 1269-1343) wrote a commentary using gematria (assigning numerical values to letters/words)
  • Connects verses to halakhic details
  • Reveals patterns and inter-verse links
• Many commentaries, like Rashi and Ramban, are printed in the margins of the Mikraot Gedolot (Rabbinic Bible) for comparative study
  • They represent diverse schools of thought (peshat, derash, rationalist, mystical)

Applying interpretive techniques to Torah passages

Examining peshat

• When analyzing a passage, first examine the peshat, the straightforward meaning
  • Note any key words, phrases or grammatical structures
• Consult classic commentaries like Rashi, Ramban, and Ibn Ezra
  • Understand how they explained the passage and what details they focus on

Intertextual and midrashic analysis

• Look for intertextual links to other related passages in the Torah
  • Words or phrases may allude to other verses that shed light on meaning
• Examine how the passage is expounded in midrashic and Talmudic literature
  • These frequently derive additional layers of moral, ethical and allegorical meaning (Abraham's tent open on all sides, manna as spiritual sustenance)

Mystical and esoteric dimensions

• Consider mystical and esoteric interpretations, especially from Kabbalistic sources and hasidic masters
  • Often reveal spiritual and metaphysical dimensions (Genesis creation as unfolding of divine attributes)
• Synthesize insights from the various interpretive approaches
  • Arrive at a multifaceted understanding of the passage and its implications
  • Different schools together provide a holistic analysis (simple meaning, rabbinic exegesis, philosophical ideas, mystical allusions)