Agada

/ɑːɡɑːˈdɑː/ noun

Definition

In Jewish tradition, non-legal narratives, parables, homilies, and folklore found in the Talmud and Midrash; also spelled aggadah.

Etymology

From Hebrew 'aggadah' meaning 'narrative' or 'telling,' derived from the root meaning 'to tell' or 'speak.' These stories are contrasted with 'halakha' (legal material) in rabbinical literature.

Kelly Says

The Talmud is roughly 70% agada (stories and wisdom) and 30% halakha (laws)—ancient Jewish scholars understood that rules alone don't teach people how to live ethically.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.