Genesis Rabbah is the commentary on the book of Genesis produced by the Rabbinic sages of the fourth and fifth centuries C.E. It provides the Judaic reading of the book of Genesis in light of historical events of that critical period, when the Roman Emperor, Constantine, legalized Christianity.

Gunter Stemberger's revision of H. L. Strack's classic introduction to rabbinic literature, which appeared in its first English edition in 1991, was widely acclaimed. Gunter Stemberger and Markus Bockmuehl have now produced this updated edition, which is a significant revision (completed in 1996) of the 1991 volume. Following Strack's original outline, Stemberger discusses first the historical framework, the basic principles of rabbinic literature and hermeneutics and the most important Rabbis. The main part of the book is devoted to the Talmudic and Midrashic literature in the light of contemporary rabbinic research. The appendix includes a new section on electronic resources for the study of the Talmud and Midrash. The result is a comprehensive work of reference that no student of rabbinics can afford to be without.

"The biblical narrative of the life of Abraham, as well as his social and spiritual endeavors, are explored through the interpretations of the sages of the Midrash Rabbah. The commentary is based upon two scriptural portions in the Book of Genesis, Lekh Lekha and Vayeira"--

This work highlights the importance of Abraham ben Asher's commentary on Genesis Rabba, demonstrating the influence of this commentary on both his contemporaries and printed editions of the classical Midrashim to the present day.

Tanhuma is one of the jewels of midrash literature. As one of the Yelammedenu midrashim, it is less diffuse than Genesis Rabbah, and its units are shorter than those of the Pesikta. It thus strikes a balance between the jumble of the one and the long sermons of the other. Just over a century ago, Solomon Buber published a new version of the Tanhuma based on an Oxford manuscript which is substantially different from the more common printed versions. It is this version or one very close to it which Rashi had before him and whose interpretations be often commends and recommends. Despite its importance and appeal, no version of Midrash Tanhuma has ever been translated into English. This volume is the first in a series which will bring the riches of the Buber edition to the English reader.