Mekhilta
Encyclopedia
This article refers to the Mekhilta de-Rabbi Ishmael. There is a separate article on the Mekhilta de-Rabbi Shimon
Mekhilta or Mekilta (Aramaic: מכילתא, a collection of rules of interpretation) is a halakic midrash to the Book of Exodus. The name "Mekhilta", corresponds to the Hebrew "middah" (= "measure," "rule"), and is used to denote a compilation of Scriptural exegesis ("middot"; comp. Talmudical Hermeneutics
).
mentions this work under the name "Mekhilta," nor does the word occur in any of the passages of the Talmud in which the other halakic midrashim, Sifra
and Sifre
, are named (Ḥag. 3a; Ḳid. 49b; Ber.
47b; etc.). It seems to be intended, however, in one passage (Yer. Ab. Zarah iv. 8), which runs as follows: "R. Josiah showed a Mekhilta from which he cited and explained a sentence." His quotation actually occurs in the Mekhilta, "Mishpaṭim" (ed. I.H. Weiss, p. 106b). It is not certain, however, whether the word "Mekhilta" here refers to the work under consideration; for it possibly alludes to a baraita
collection—which might also be designated a "Mekhilta" (comp. Pes. 48a; Tem. 33a; Giṭ. 44a)—containing the sentence in question.
On the other hand, this midrash, apparently in written form, is mentioned several times in the Talmud under the title "She'ar Sifre debe Rab" = "The Other Books of the Schoolhouse" (Yoma
74a; B. B.
124b). A geonic responsum (A. Harkavy, Teshubot ha-Geonim, p. 31, No. 66, Berlin, 1888) in which occurs a passage from the Mekhilta (ed. I.H. Weiss, p. 41a) likewise indicates that this work was known as "She'ar Sifre debe Rab." The first person to mention the Mekhilta by name was the author of the Halakot Gedolot (p. 144a, ed. Warsaw, 1874). Another geonic responsum refers to it as the "Mekhilta de-Ereẓ Yisrael" (A. Harkavy, l.c. p. 107, No. 229), probably to distinguish it from the Mekhilta de-Rabbi Shimon
, which was generally known in the Babylonian schools (D. Hoffmann, Zur Einleitung in die Halachischen Midraschim, p. 36).
, in his Mafteaḥ (to Shab. 106b), and R. Samuel ha-Nagid, in his introduction to the Talmud
, refer to it as the "Mekhilta de-Rabbi Yishmael," thus ascribing the authorship to Ishmael. Maimonides
likewise says in the introduction to his Yad ha-Ḥazaḳah: "R. Ishmael interpreted from 've'eleh shemot' to the end of the Torah, and this explanation is called 'Mekhilta.' R. Akiba
also wrote a Mekhilta." This R. Ishmael, however, is neither an amora
by the name of Ishmael, as Z. Frankel assumed (Introduction to Yerushalmi, p. 105b), nor Rebbi's contemporary, Rabbi Ishmael ben Jose
, as Gedaliah ibn Yaḥya thought (Shalshelet ha-Ḳabbalah, p. 24a, Zolkiev, 1804). He is, on the contrary, identical with R. Ishmael ben Elisha
, R. Akiba's contemporary, as is shown by the passage of Maimonides quoted above.
The present Mekhilta cannot, however, be the one composed by R. Ishmael, as is proved by the references in it to R. Ishmael's pupils and to other later tannaim
. Both Maimonides
and the author of the Halakot Gedolot, moreover, refer, evidently on the basis of a tradition, to a much larger Mekhilta extending from Ex. i. to the end of the Torah
, while the midrash here considered discusses only certain passages of Exodus. It must be assumed, therefore, that R. Ishmael composed an explanatory midrash to the last four books of the Torah, and that his pupils amplified it (M. Friedmann, Einleitung in die Mechilta, pp. 64, 73; Hoffmann
, l.c. p. 73).
A later editor, intending to compile a halakic midrash to Exodus, took R. Ishmael's work on the book, beginning with ch. xii., since the first eleven chapters contained no references to the Law (Friedmann, l.c. p. 72; Hoffmann, l.c. p. 37). He even omitted passages from the portion which he took, but, by way of compensation, he incorporated much material from the other halakic midrashim, Sifra
, R. Shimon bar Yochai's Mekilta, and the Sifre
to Deuteronomy
. Since the last two works were from a different source, he generally designated them by the introductory phrase, "dabar aḥer" = "another explanation," placing them after the sections taken from R. Ishmael's midrash. But the redactor based his work on the midrash of R. Ishmael's school, and the sentences of R. Ishmael and his pupils constitute the larger part of his Mekhilta. Similarly, most of the anonymous maxims in the work were derived from the same source, so that it also was known as the "Mekhilta of Rabbi Ishmael." The redactor must have been a pupil of Rebbi, since the latter is frequently mentioned (comp. Abraham ibn Daud
in Sefer HaKabbalah in A. Neubauer, M. J. C., p. 57, Oxford, 1887, who likewise ascribes it to a pupil of Rebbi).
He cannot, however, have been R. Hoshaiah, as A. Epstein assumes (Beiträge zur Jüdischen Alterthumskunde, p. 55, Vienna, 1887), as might be inferred from Abraham ibn Daud
's reference, for Hoshaiah is mentioned in the Mekhilta (ed. Weiss, p. 60b). Abba Arika
(Rab) therefore probably redacted the work, as Menahem ibn Zerah says in the preface to Zedah la-Derek (p. 14b). Rab, however, did not do this in Babylonia
, as I.H. Weiss assumes (Einleitung in die Mechilta, p. 19), but in Palestine
, taking it after its compilation to Babylonia, so that it was called "Mekhilta de-Eretz Yisrael".)
and the haggadic midrashim by "Teni R. Yishmael" = "R. Ishmael taught". Yet there are many baraitot in the Talmud which contain comments on Book of Exodus, and which are introduced by the phrase "Tana debe R. Yishmael," but which are not included in the Mekhilta under discussion. These must have been included in R. Ishmael's original Mekhilta, and the fact that they are omitted in this midrash is evidence that its redactor excluded many of the passages from R. Ishmael's work (comp. D. Hoffman, l.c. p. 42).
The Mekhilta comprises altogether 77, or, if the two introductions be included, 79 sections. All the editions, however, state at the end that there are 82 sections (comp. I.H. Weiss l.c. p. 28; M. Friedmann, l.c. pp. 78–80).
. Furthermore, many haggadot are included in the legal sections as well.
The halakhic exegesis of the Mekhilta, which is found chiefly in the messektot "Bo.", "Bah", and "Mish." and in the sections "Ki" and "Vayak", is, as the name "mekhilta" indicates, based on the application of the middot according to R. Ishmael's system and method of teaching. In like manner, the introductory formulas and the technical terms are borrowed from his midrash (comp. D. Hoffmann l.c. pp. 43–44). On the other hand, there are many explanations and expositions of the Law which follow the simpler methods of exegesis found in the earlier halakha (comp. Midrash Halakha
.)
The haggadic expositions in the Mekhilta, which are found chiefly in "Beshallah" and "Yitro" are in part actual exegesis, but the majority of them are merely interpretations of Scripture to illustrate certain ethical and moral tenets. Parables are frequently introduced in connection with these interpretations (e.g., "Bo" ed. Weiss p. 1b, "Besh" pp. 36a,b, 37a) as well as proverbs (e.g., "Bo" p. 2b, "Vay" p. 60b) and maxims (e.g., the apothegm of the ancient Zekenim, "Besh" p. 62b, "Shir" p. 46b). Especially noteworthy are the haggadot relating to the battles of the Ephraimites ("Besh" p. 28b) and to Serah
, Asher
's daughter, who showed Joseph
's coffin to Moses
(ib p. 29a), besides others, which are based on old tales and legends.
It must also be noted that some of the tannaim
mentioned in the Mekhilta are referred to only here and in Sifre
Num., which likewise originated with R. Ishmael's school (comp. D. Hoffmann l.c., pp. 38–39). On the earlier editions of the Mekhilta and the commentaries to it see I.H. Weiss, l.c., pp. 25–26, and M. Friedmann, l.c., pp. 12–14.
Mekhilta de-Rabbi Shimon
The Mekhilta de-Rabbi Shimon is a Halakic midrash on Exodus from the school of R. Akiba, the "Rabbi Shimon" in question being Shimon bar Yochai. No midrash of this name is mentioned in Talmudic literature, but medieval authors refer to one which they call either "Mekilta de-R. Simeon b. Yoḥai," or...
Mekhilta or Mekilta (Aramaic: מכילתא, a collection of rules of interpretation) is a halakic midrash to the Book of Exodus. The name "Mekhilta", corresponds to the Hebrew "middah" (= "measure," "rule"), and is used to denote a compilation of Scriptural exegesis ("middot"; comp. Talmudical Hermeneutics
Talmudical Hermeneutics
Talmudical Hermeneutics is the science which defines the rules and methods for the investigation and exact determination of the meaning of the Scriptures, both legal and historical...
).
First Mention
Neither the Babylonian Talmud nor the Jerusalem TalmudJerusalem Talmud
The Jerusalem Talmud, talmud meaning "instruction", "learning", , is a collection of Rabbinic notes on the 2nd-century Mishnah which was compiled in the Land of Israel during the 4th-5th century. The voluminous text is also known as the Palestinian Talmud or Talmud de-Eretz Yisrael...
mentions this work under the name "Mekhilta," nor does the word occur in any of the passages of the Talmud in which the other halakic midrashim, Sifra
Sifra
Sifra is the Halakic midrash to Leviticus. It is frequently quoted in the Talmud, and the study of it followed that of the Mishnah, as appears from Tanḥuma, quoted in Or Zarua, i. 7b. Like Leviticus itself, the midrash is occasionally called "Torat Kohanim" , and in two passages also "Sifra debe...
and Sifre
Sifre
Sifre refers to either of two works of Midrash halakhah, or classical Jewish legal Biblical exegesis, based on the biblical books of Bamidbar and Devarim .- The Talmudic-Era Sifre :The title "Sifre debe Rab" is used by R. Hananeel on Sheb. 37b, Alfasi on Pes...
, are named (Ḥag. 3a; Ḳid. 49b; Ber.
Berakhot (Talmud)
Berachot is the first tractate of Seder Zeraim, a collection of the Mishnah that primarily deals with laws relating to plants and farming...
47b; etc.). It seems to be intended, however, in one passage (Yer. Ab. Zarah iv. 8), which runs as follows: "R. Josiah showed a Mekhilta from which he cited and explained a sentence." His quotation actually occurs in the Mekhilta, "Mishpaṭim" (ed. I.H. Weiss, p. 106b). It is not certain, however, whether the word "Mekhilta" here refers to the work under consideration; for it possibly alludes to a baraita
Baraita
Baraita designates a tradition in the Jewish oral law not incorporated in the Mishnah. "Baraita" thus refers to teachings "outside" of the six orders of the Mishnah...
collection—which might also be designated a "Mekhilta" (comp. Pes. 48a; Tem. 33a; Giṭ. 44a)—containing the sentence in question.
On the other hand, this midrash, apparently in written form, is mentioned several times in the Talmud under the title "She'ar Sifre debe Rab" = "The Other Books of the Schoolhouse" (Yoma
Yoma
Yoma is the fifth tractate of Seder Moed of the Mishnah and of the Talmud. It is concerned mainly with the laws of the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur, on which Jews atone for their sins from the previous year...
74a; B. B.
Bava Batra
Bava Batra is the third of the three tractates in the Talmud in the order Nezikin; it deals with a person's responsibilities and rights as the owner of property. It is part of Judaism's oral law...
124b). A geonic responsum (A. Harkavy, Teshubot ha-Geonim, p. 31, No. 66, Berlin, 1888) in which occurs a passage from the Mekhilta (ed. I.H. Weiss, p. 41a) likewise indicates that this work was known as "She'ar Sifre debe Rab." The first person to mention the Mekhilta by name was the author of the Halakot Gedolot (p. 144a, ed. Warsaw, 1874). Another geonic responsum refers to it as the "Mekhilta de-Ereẓ Yisrael" (A. Harkavy, l.c. p. 107, No. 229), probably to distinguish it from the Mekhilta de-Rabbi Shimon
Mekhilta de-Rabbi Shimon
The Mekhilta de-Rabbi Shimon is a Halakic midrash on Exodus from the school of R. Akiba, the "Rabbi Shimon" in question being Shimon bar Yochai. No midrash of this name is mentioned in Talmudic literature, but medieval authors refer to one which they call either "Mekilta de-R. Simeon b. Yoḥai," or...
, which was generally known in the Babylonian schools (D. Hoffmann, Zur Einleitung in die Halachischen Midraschim, p. 36).
Mekhilta of R. Ishmael
The author, or more correctly the redactor, of the Mekhilta can not be definitely ascertained. R. Nissim ben JacobNissim Ben Jacob
Nissim ben Jacob , was a rabbi best known today for his Talmudic commentary ha-Mafteach, by which title he is also known.-Biography:Rav Nissim studied at the Kairouan yeshiva, initially under his father - Jacob ben Nissim who...
, in his Mafteaḥ (to Shab. 106b), and R. Samuel ha-Nagid, in his introduction to the Talmud
Talmud
The Talmud is a central text of mainstream Judaism. It takes the form of a record of rabbinic discussions pertaining to Jewish law, ethics, philosophy, customs and history....
, refer to it as the "Mekhilta de-Rabbi Yishmael," thus ascribing the authorship to Ishmael. Maimonides
Maimonides
Moses ben-Maimon, called Maimonides and also known as Mūsā ibn Maymūn in Arabic, or Rambam , was a preeminent medieval Jewish philosopher and one of the greatest Torah scholars and physicians of the Middle Ages...
likewise says in the introduction to his Yad ha-Ḥazaḳah: "R. Ishmael interpreted from 've'eleh shemot' to the end of the Torah, and this explanation is called 'Mekhilta.' R. Akiba
Rabbi Akiva
Akiva ben Joseph simply known as Rabbi Akiva , was a tanna of the latter part of the 1st century and the beginning of the 2nd century . He was a great authority in the matter of Jewish tradition, and one of the most central and essential contributors to the Mishnah and Midrash Halakha...
also wrote a Mekhilta." This R. Ishmael, however, is neither an amora
Amora
Amoraim , were renowned Jewish scholars who "said" or "told over" the teachings of the Oral law, from about 200 to 500 CE in Babylonia and the Land of Israel. Their legal discussions and debates were eventually codified in the Gemara...
by the name of Ishmael, as Z. Frankel assumed (Introduction to Yerushalmi, p. 105b), nor Rebbi's contemporary, Rabbi Ishmael ben Jose
Ishmael ben Jose
Ishmael ben Jose was a Tanna of the beginning of the 3rd century, son of Jose ben Halafta. Ishmael served as a Roman official together with Elazar ben Simon, and was instrumental in suppressing the hordes of Jewish freebooters that had collected during the war between Severus and Rescennius Niger...
, as Gedaliah ibn Yaḥya thought (Shalshelet ha-Ḳabbalah, p. 24a, Zolkiev, 1804). He is, on the contrary, identical with R. Ishmael ben Elisha
Ishmael ben Elisha
Rabbi Ishmael or Ishmael ben Elisha was a Tanna of the 1st and 2nd centuries . A Tanna is a rabbinic sage whose views are recorded in the Mishnah.-Disposition:...
, R. Akiba's contemporary, as is shown by the passage of Maimonides quoted above.
The present Mekhilta cannot, however, be the one composed by R. Ishmael, as is proved by the references in it to R. Ishmael's pupils and to other later tannaim
Tannaim
The Tannaim were the Rabbinic sages whose views are recorded in the Mishnah, from approximately 70-200 CE. The period of the Tannaim, also referred to as the Mishnaic period, lasted about 130 years...
. Both Maimonides
Maimonides
Moses ben-Maimon, called Maimonides and also known as Mūsā ibn Maymūn in Arabic, or Rambam , was a preeminent medieval Jewish philosopher and one of the greatest Torah scholars and physicians of the Middle Ages...
and the author of the Halakot Gedolot, moreover, refer, evidently on the basis of a tradition, to a much larger Mekhilta extending from Ex. i. to the end of the Torah
Torah
Torah- A scroll containing the first five books of the BibleThe Torah , is name given by Jews to the first five books of the bible—Genesis , Exodus , Leviticus , Numbers and Deuteronomy Torah- A scroll containing the first five books of the BibleThe Torah , is name given by Jews to the first five...
, while the midrash here considered discusses only certain passages of Exodus. It must be assumed, therefore, that R. Ishmael composed an explanatory midrash to the last four books of the Torah, and that his pupils amplified it (M. Friedmann, Einleitung in die Mechilta, pp. 64, 73; Hoffmann
David Zvi Hoffman
David Zvi Hoffmann , was an Orthodox Rabbi and Torah Scholar. Born in Verbó in 1843, he attended various Yeshivas in his native town before he entered the college at Pressburg, from which he graduated in 1865...
, l.c. p. 73).
A later editor, intending to compile a halakic midrash to Exodus, took R. Ishmael's work on the book, beginning with ch. xii., since the first eleven chapters contained no references to the Law (Friedmann, l.c. p. 72; Hoffmann, l.c. p. 37). He even omitted passages from the portion which he took, but, by way of compensation, he incorporated much material from the other halakic midrashim, Sifra
Sifra
Sifra is the Halakic midrash to Leviticus. It is frequently quoted in the Talmud, and the study of it followed that of the Mishnah, as appears from Tanḥuma, quoted in Or Zarua, i. 7b. Like Leviticus itself, the midrash is occasionally called "Torat Kohanim" , and in two passages also "Sifra debe...
, R. Shimon bar Yochai's Mekilta, and the Sifre
Sifre
Sifre refers to either of two works of Midrash halakhah, or classical Jewish legal Biblical exegesis, based on the biblical books of Bamidbar and Devarim .- The Talmudic-Era Sifre :The title "Sifre debe Rab" is used by R. Hananeel on Sheb. 37b, Alfasi on Pes...
to Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy
The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Hebrew Bible, and of the Jewish Torah/Pentateuch...
. Since the last two works were from a different source, he generally designated them by the introductory phrase, "dabar aḥer" = "another explanation," placing them after the sections taken from R. Ishmael's midrash. But the redactor based his work on the midrash of R. Ishmael's school, and the sentences of R. Ishmael and his pupils constitute the larger part of his Mekhilta. Similarly, most of the anonymous maxims in the work were derived from the same source, so that it also was known as the "Mekhilta of Rabbi Ishmael." The redactor must have been a pupil of Rebbi, since the latter is frequently mentioned (comp. Abraham ibn Daud
Abraham ibn Daud
Abraham ibn Daud was a Spanish-Jewish astronomer, historian, and philosopher; born at Toledo, Spain about 1110; died, according to common report, a martyr about 1180. He is sometimes known by the abbreviation Rabad I or Ravad I. His mother belonged to a family famed for its learning...
in Sefer HaKabbalah in A. Neubauer, M. J. C., p. 57, Oxford, 1887, who likewise ascribes it to a pupil of Rebbi).
He cannot, however, have been R. Hoshaiah, as A. Epstein assumes (Beiträge zur Jüdischen Alterthumskunde, p. 55, Vienna, 1887), as might be inferred from Abraham ibn Daud
Abraham ibn Daud
Abraham ibn Daud was a Spanish-Jewish astronomer, historian, and philosopher; born at Toledo, Spain about 1110; died, according to common report, a martyr about 1180. He is sometimes known by the abbreviation Rabad I or Ravad I. His mother belonged to a family famed for its learning...
's reference, for Hoshaiah is mentioned in the Mekhilta (ed. Weiss, p. 60b). Abba Arika
Abba Arika
Abba Arika was a Jewish Talmudist who lived in Babylonia, known as an amora of the 3rd century who established at Sura the systematic study of the rabbinic traditions, which, using the Mishnah as text, led to the compilation of the Talmud...
(Rab) therefore probably redacted the work, as Menahem ibn Zerah says in the preface to Zedah la-Derek (p. 14b). Rab, however, did not do this in Babylonia
Babylonia
Babylonia was an ancient cultural region in central-southern Mesopotamia , with Babylon as its capital. Babylonia emerged as a major power when Hammurabi Babylonia was an ancient cultural region in central-southern Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq), with Babylon as its capital. Babylonia emerged as...
, as I.H. Weiss assumes (Einleitung in die Mechilta, p. 19), but in Palestine
Palestine
Palestine is a conventional name, among others, used to describe the geographic region between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, and various adjoining lands....
, taking it after its compilation to Babylonia, so that it was called "Mekhilta de-Eretz Yisrael".)
Quotations in the Talmud
Baraitot from the Mekhilta are introduced in the Babylonian Talmud by the phrases "Tana debe R. Yishmael" = "It was taught in the school of R. Ishmael," and in the Jerusalem TalmudJerusalem Talmud
The Jerusalem Talmud, talmud meaning "instruction", "learning", , is a collection of Rabbinic notes on the 2nd-century Mishnah which was compiled in the Land of Israel during the 4th-5th century. The voluminous text is also known as the Palestinian Talmud or Talmud de-Eretz Yisrael...
and the haggadic midrashim by "Teni R. Yishmael" = "R. Ishmael taught". Yet there are many baraitot in the Talmud which contain comments on Book of Exodus, and which are introduced by the phrase "Tana debe R. Yishmael," but which are not included in the Mekhilta under discussion. These must have been included in R. Ishmael's original Mekhilta, and the fact that they are omitted in this midrash is evidence that its redactor excluded many of the passages from R. Ishmael's work (comp. D. Hoffman, l.c. p. 42).
Structure
The Mekhilta begins with Ex. xii, this being the first legal section found in Exodus. That this is the beginning of the Mekhilta is shown by the Aruk s.v. טמא, and by the Seder Tannaim v'Amoraim (ed. S.D. Luzzatto, p. 12, Prague 1839). In like manner R. Nissim proves in his Mafteach (to Shab. 106b) that the conclusion of the Mekhilta which he knew corresponded with that of the Mekhilta now extant. In printed editions the Mekhilta is divided into nine "massektot," each of which is further subdivided into "parshiyyot". The nine massektot are as follows:- "Massekta de-Pesah", covering the pericopePericopeA pericope in rhetoric is a set of verses that forms one coherent unit or thought, thus forming a short passage suitable for public reading from a text, now usually of sacred scripture....
"BoBo (parsha)Bo is the fifteenth weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading and the third in the book of Exodus...
" (quoted as "Bo"), Ex. xii.1–xiii.16, and containing an introduction, "petikta," and 18 sections. - "Massekta de-Vayehi "BeshalachBeshalachBeshalach, Beshallach, or Beshalah is the sixteenth weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading and the fourth in the book of Exodus...
" (quoted as "Besh."), ib., xiii.17–xiv.31, containing an introduction and 6 sections. - "Massekta de-Shirah," (quoted as "Shir"), ib., xv.1–21, containing 10 sections.
- "Massekta de-Vayassah," (quoted as "Vay."), ib., xv.22–xvii.7, containing 6 sections.
- "Massekta de-Amalek", consisting of two parts:
- the part dealing with AmalekAmalekThe Amalekites are a people mentioned a number of times in the Hebrew Bible. They are considered to be descended from an ancestor Amalek....
(quoted as "Am."), ib., xvii.8–16, containing 2 sections. - the beginning of the pericope "YitroYitro (parsha)Yitro, Yithro, or Yisro is the seventeenth weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading and the fifth in the book of Exodus...
" (quoted as "Yitro"), ib., xviii.1–27, containing 2 sections.
- the part dealing with Amalek
- "Massekta de-Bahodesh," (quoted as "Bah."), ib., xix.1–20, 26, containing 11 sections.
- "Massekta de-Nezikin," ib., xxi.1–xxii.23. (see next)
- "Massekta de-Kaspa," ib., xxii.24–xxiii.19; these last two messektot, which belong to the pericope "MishpatimMishpatimMishpatim is the eighteenth weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading and the sixth in the book of Exodus...
" contain 20 sections consecutively numbered, and are quoted as "Mish." - "Massekta de-Shabbeta", containing 2 sections:
- covering the pericope "Ki TisaKi TisaKi Tisa, Ki Tissa, Ki Thissa, or Ki Sisa is the 21st weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading and the ninth in the book of Exodus...
" (quoted as "Ki"), ib., xxxi.12–17 - covering the pericope "VayakhelVayakhelVayakhel, Wayyaqhel, VaYakhel, Va-Yakhel, Vayak’hel, Vayak’heil, or Vayaqhel is the 22nd weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading and the 10th in the book of Exodus...
" (quoted as "Vayak"), ib., xxxv.1–3
- covering the pericope "Ki Tisa
The Mekhilta comprises altogether 77, or, if the two introductions be included, 79 sections. All the editions, however, state at the end that there are 82 sections (comp. I.H. Weiss l.c. p. 28; M. Friedmann, l.c. pp. 78–80).
Haggadic Elements
Although the redactor intended to produce a halachik midrash to Book of Exodus, the larger portion of the Mekhilta is haggadic in character. From Ex. xii. the midrash was continued without interruption as far as Ex. xxxiii.19, i.e., to the conclusion of the chief laws of the book, although there are many narrative portions scattered through this section whose midrash belongs properly to the aggadahAggadah
Aggadah refers to the homiletic and non-legalistic exegetical texts in the classical rabbinic literature of Judaism, particularly as recorded in the Talmud and Midrash...
. Furthermore, many haggadot are included in the legal sections as well.
The halakhic exegesis of the Mekhilta, which is found chiefly in the messektot "Bo.", "Bah", and "Mish." and in the sections "Ki" and "Vayak", is, as the name "mekhilta" indicates, based on the application of the middot according to R. Ishmael's system and method of teaching. In like manner, the introductory formulas and the technical terms are borrowed from his midrash (comp. D. Hoffmann l.c. pp. 43–44). On the other hand, there are many explanations and expositions of the Law which follow the simpler methods of exegesis found in the earlier halakha (comp. Midrash Halakha
Midrash halakha
Midrash halakha was the ancient Judaic rabbinic method of Torah study that expounded upon the traditionally received 613 Mitzvot by identifying their sources in the Tanakh , and by interpreting these passages as proofs of the laws' authenticity. Midrash more generally also refers to the...
.)
The haggadic expositions in the Mekhilta, which are found chiefly in "Beshallah" and "Yitro" are in part actual exegesis, but the majority of them are merely interpretations of Scripture to illustrate certain ethical and moral tenets. Parables are frequently introduced in connection with these interpretations (e.g., "Bo" ed. Weiss p. 1b, "Besh" pp. 36a,b, 37a) as well as proverbs (e.g., "Bo" p. 2b, "Vay" p. 60b) and maxims (e.g., the apothegm of the ancient Zekenim, "Besh" p. 62b, "Shir" p. 46b). Especially noteworthy are the haggadot relating to the battles of the Ephraimites ("Besh" p. 28b) and to Serah
Serah
Serah bat Asher was, in the Tanakh, a daughter of Asher, the son of Jacob. She is counted among the seventy members of the patriarch's family who emigrated from Canaan to Egypt, and her name occurs in connection with the census taken by Moses in the wilderness. She is mentioned also among the...
, Asher
Asher
Asher , in the Book of Genesis, is the second son of Jacob and Zilpah, and the founder of the Tribe of Asher.-Name:The text of the Torah argues that the name of Asher means happy/blessing, implying a derivation from the Hebrew term osher ; the Torah actually presents this in two variations—beoshri...
's daughter, who showed Joseph
Joseph (Hebrew Bible)
Joseph is an important character in the Hebrew bible, where he connects the story of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in Canaan to the subsequent story of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt....
's coffin to Moses
Moses
Moses was, according to the Hebrew Bible and Qur'an, a religious leader, lawgiver and prophet, to whom the authorship of the Torah is traditionally attributed...
(ib p. 29a), besides others, which are based on old tales and legends.
It must also be noted that some of the tannaim
Tannaim
The Tannaim were the Rabbinic sages whose views are recorded in the Mishnah, from approximately 70-200 CE. The period of the Tannaim, also referred to as the Mishnaic period, lasted about 130 years...
mentioned in the Mekhilta are referred to only here and in Sifre
Sifre
Sifre refers to either of two works of Midrash halakhah, or classical Jewish legal Biblical exegesis, based on the biblical books of Bamidbar and Devarim .- The Talmudic-Era Sifre :The title "Sifre debe Rab" is used by R. Hananeel on Sheb. 37b, Alfasi on Pes...
Num., which likewise originated with R. Ishmael's school (comp. D. Hoffmann l.c., pp. 38–39). On the earlier editions of the Mekhilta and the commentaries to it see I.H. Weiss, l.c., pp. 25–26, and M. Friedmann, l.c., pp. 12–14.
External links
- Jewish Encyclopedia article for Mekhilta , by Isidore SingerIsidore SingerIsidore Singer was an editor of the Jewish Encyclopedia and founder of the American League for the Rights of Man.-Biography:...
and Jacob Zallel LauterbachJacob Zallel LauterbachJacob Zallel Lauterbach was an American Judaica scholar and author who served on the faculty of Hebrew Union College and composed responsa for the Reform movement in America. He specialized in Midrashic and Talmudical literature, and is best known for his landmark critical edition and English...