Midrashic Units in the Mishnah

"This is where my Database of Midrashic Units in the Mishnah is published. The Database translates and explains all explicit biblical interpretations found in the Mishnah except for those in tractate Avot.This database accompanies my book Rabbinic Interpretation of Scripture in the Mishnah (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002, ISBN 0-19-827031-3). In the book I give a detailed modern description of c. 140 rabbinic techniques of interpretation. It is a systematic account which uses more than 100 Mishnaic passages for illustration.The Database, on the other hand, is my full commentary on every single passage of biblical interpretation found in the Mishnah, in the order of occurrence. The principles of description and terminology used in this Database are those introduced in the book Rabbinic Interpretation of Scripture in the Mishnah...n this database I discuss every passage in the Mishnah where Scripture is explicitly quoted, and some where Scripture is merely alluded to. Each interpretation is explained in all its aspects, identifying the techniques (or "resources") which come together to create the complete hermeneutic operation. There are about 800 passages in the Mishnah which are explained in this way. I have revised for publication on this website all tractates except mAvot. Avot will be published at a later time. All Mishnaic passages (including Avot) are already listed with their relevant techniques of interpretation in a preliminary overview forming Appendix II of my book Rabbinic Interpretation of Scripture in the Mishnah (pp. 419-431). However, the full description contained in the database here published differs in many details from that contained in the preliminary survey of Appendix II. It is the result of a process of systematic revision of all entries of the database (which I started in 1992) since the completion of the text of the book more than two years ago. This full Database takes the place of the incomplete Database which was available from this website until 29 September 2003 (up to mGittin). It provides small revisions and improved presentation for all entries, including the ones that were already available from that earlier website version..."