Ben Sorer U’moreh: Mishnah or Midrash? That Is The Question

Abstract

What differentiates Midrash from Mishnah? In Midrash, usually a verse is referenced and is interpreted to teach us something, while in Mishnah the rules that we are supposed to follow are debated by the Tannaim and plainly stated. But what is the relationship between Midrash and Mishnah and, further, is it possible that the Mishnah itself engages in the act of ‘midrash?’ This paper will attempt to answer this question, shedding light on the nature of Mishnah and Midrash as religio-legalistic texts in the case of the ‘ben sorer u’moreh.’