Early Medieval Homiletical Works

Midrashic Collections and Sermons

Although midrash has its origins in the rabbinic period, several midrashic collections were composed or edited in the medieval period. Some medieval midrashic works address limited topics, such as the Ten Commandments or the death of Moses. 

Aggadic (narrative, as opposed to legal) midrash freely expands the biblical text, often drawing connections among diverse passages.

Because many midrashic interpretations were initially transmitted orally, it is difficult to date them. Midrashic collections of the medieval period clearly contain much older traditions whose compilation and circulation in the medieval period attests to their sustained popularity. Their final redaction, however, reflects medieval concerns and literary norms. 

Finally, there are extant a few sermons, which circulated independently or in small collections.