The Talmud differentiates between “halakha” (law) and “aggada” (legend, story, history, parable). It is clear that halakha is binding. But it is not so clear how we are supposed to understand aggada.
In this class we will look at the differing views among the rabbis of the Talmud themselves as to whether or not aggada must be understood literally.
We will see the opinions of the Geonim and of the Rishonim. Some seem to consider aggada to be only meaningful if it makes sense. Others say it contains deep spiritual truths. Others hold that it must (almost always) be understood literally.
