Introduction to Yalkut Shimoni
The Yalkut (lit. “bag” or “container, vessel”) is a medieval compilation of older interpretations and explanations of the entire Hebrew Bible, which was ascribed to Rab Shimon ha-Darshan, hence Yalkut Shimoni. This monumental work offers Talmudic and Midrashic interpretations, which were compiled anew as a commentary to each Book of the Bible. The sources include not only the major portion of Rabbinic literature during the ancient and geonic periods, but also the aggadic literature up to the 12th century. The author’s sources beside the Mishnah, Talmudim and the major Midrashim on the Pentateuch, were other important Rabbinic works such as the Pesiḳta, Pesiḳta Rabbati, Yelammedenu, Tanḥuma, Semaḥot, Kallah, and Soferim. An important feature of the Yalkut is that it also encompasses Rabbinic works which are known to us only from this specific compilation.
