Traditional Jewish interpretation of Scripture often involves storytelling and homiletical expansion, as seen in Midrash and Targums. These interpretations add to the biblical text, making it more engaging and interesting, but they are not meant to be historical or authoritative. In contrast, legal rulings in Judaism are based on the Talmud and other sources, which provide a different understanding of the law and its application. [... more]

Dr. Michael Brown explores how a traditional Jewish person reads the Bible, relying on commentaries and the Jewish community's centuries-old traditions. He discusses the rabbinic view of scripture, the importance of standing on the shoulders of those who came before, and the potential pitfalls of this approach. [... more]