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midrashic

midrashic

1 9.9
Relating to a Jewish way of explaining the Bible
  • adjective
  • /ˌmɪdˈrɑːʃɪk/
  • Specialized
: midráshico
  • A midrashic text from the treatise Meguila assimilates the insomnia of Ahasuerus with the insomnia.

Examples

  • In her class, the professor explained the significance of midrashic interpretations in understanding ancient Jewish texts.

  • The prophet was claiming in good midrashic fashion that God was doing for.

    Academic text (2007)
  • For all we know, they could all be second-century midrashic fictions.

    Blog text (19)
  • There, Voltaire, like his host, led a quiet, regulated, retired life, as if following the Midrashic principles of Eden.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Zoe Grashow is a student at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and has just finished her first midrashic novel.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • In providing biblical underpinnings to his modern stories, Amos Oz follows the age-old midrashic tradition.

    Academic text (2001)
  • As a lighter counterpoint, a midrashic retelling of "The Tower of Babel" turns the biblical tale into an anti-utopian allegory of enterprise association.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Amos Oz's latest book draws heavily on midrashic themes and beautifully intertwines them with his narrative style.

  • The artist's exhibition featured works inspired by midrashic stories, showcasing a modern dialogue with traditional texts.

Surface Forms

midrashic positive

Morphology

midrashic = Midrash (transparent) = midrash + ic

The adjective is a straightforward formation from the noun 'Midrash' with the productive English suffix '-ic' meaning 'relating to' or 'characteristic of'.

Etymology

Midrashic comes from the Hebrew midrash, which comes from a root that means 'to seek' or 'to search'. So a midrashic reading is a searching, often creative way of interpreting the Bible and finding deeper meaning.