Lauren Rule- Midrash (Outside Reading #3)

I found an article describing the practice of Midrash.  During my college career, I did a paper from Professor Thompson about the practice of Midrash.  I don't remember too much about it, except that it was usually associated with Judaism.  In my paper, I noted Midrash was occasionally used in Christianity.  It doesn't seem so crazy to me since Christianity evolved from Judaism, but apparently associating it with Christianity was incorrect.  The article defines Midrash as "the designation of a particular genre of rabbinic literature containing anthologies and compilations of homilies".  I understood Midrash as commentary to the sacred texts.  In the early days, women were not allowed to participate in Midrash and a rabbi was required during the sessions.  I found parts of the article very informative, but reading religious text (or about religious texts) has always been difficult for me.  There are so many references that I just do not understand, it is a little frustrating.  Midrash, it seems, has evolved over time.  The interpretations has changed with the culture of Judaism.  The article also notes the influence of other religions on Midrash.  

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