Theme: Relationship Between heaven and Earth
• Ascent of Moses to heaven
• Descent of the Torah to earth
• Descent of God and the angels to earth
Texts To Be Examined
Mekilta’ de – R.Ishmael (ca.4th century CE)
• Tannaitic Midrash
• Halakhic
• Exegetical
Pesiqta’ de – R.Kahana (ca.5th century CE)
• Classical Amoraic Midrash
• Aggadic
• Homiletical (special Sabbaths and festivals)
Babylonian Talmud (ca.6th century CE) (if applicable)
Pesiqta’ Rabbati (ca.7th century CE)
• Post – Talmudic Midrash
• Aggadic
• Homiletical (special Sabbaths and festivals)
Exodus Rabbah II (ca.9th century CE)
• Post – Talmudic Midrash – Tanhuma’ Yelammedenu Midrash
• Aggadic
• Homiletical (regular Sabbaths)
Pirqe de – R.Eliezer (ca.8th century CE)
• Post – Talmudic Midrash
• Aggadic
• Narrative
Essay Guidelines
1. History of Interpretations. The essay should trace the history of interpretations of the particular theme through the various Midrashic texts listed above, drawing on the material on the Sinai revelation found in the Reader.
2. Essay Sections. Divide the essay into sections with headings, with one section devoted to each of the texts to be analyzed. (see list above). Begin each section with a brief
discussion of the nature of the specific text to be examined. Then provide a close textual analysis of the text’s treatment of the particular theme, delineating the major trends of speculation and examining relevant passages that exemplify each of these trends. As you move from section to section, tracing the history of interpretations of the theme through each layer of Midrashic texts, highlight both the continuities and the transformations in the ways in which the theme is treated in different texts.
3. Introduction. In the introduction of the essay you should introduce the theme to be examined and frame your analysis by providing a synoptic overview of the central trends of speculation associated with the theme.
4. Conclusion. In the conclusion of the essay you should provide an overview of the fruits of your analysis, summarizing the key points of continuity and transformation that you have discerned in tracing the history of interpretations.