Bel Nidrasc
This term, often phonetically transcribed by Maria Valtorta with several spellings, corresponds to "Bel Nidrasc (בית מדרש)." It today designates a room or place dedicated to the study of the Torah and the Talmud.[1]
At the time of Jesus, it was the preferred place, in the Temple Court, to listen to the teaching of the rabbis.
Description[edit | edit source]
In the work of Maria Valtorta, it is clearly a place in the Temple reserved for teaching:"Here we are at the Temple. I am going to the Bel Nidrasc to teach the crowds."[2]It is located within the enclosure of the Temple, after passing the first terrace or first platform, in a place surrounded by porticoes and near a large courtyard, paved with multicolored marbles. The place is very busy and frequented.[3]
It is necessary to ask a magistrate for permission to teach there by justifying one’s qualification as a rabbi. It is probably the portico of Solomon, east of the Court of the Gentiles, where the Disciples still gather after the Ascension of the Lord.[4]
The "best" seats were those located just opposite the Beautiful Gate. Jesus, for His part, generally placed Himself in the most "modest" spot, at the northeast end of the Court, and most often even under the Court of the Gentiles.
Jesus moreover explains at length to Judas why the rabbis of Israel chose this place to teach:"And is this not the place where rabbis usually gather to speak? (…) But this is the place where everyone loves to teach disciples. (…) A master for those who already are or intend to be Jews; a philosopher for the true and proper Gentiles. Neither do the rabbis disdain being listened to by the latter, as they hope to make proselytes. Without such hope, which would be holy if it were humble, they would not remain in the Court of the Gentiles, but they would demand to speak in that of Israel [...]"[5]This was certainly a place reserved exclusively for Israelites.[6]
Notable facts[edit | edit source]
This is one of the many cases where Maria Valtorta phonetically transcribes specialized terms or proper names. The source is indeed what she hears (and sees) but not what she has learned (and read). Moreover, the spelling of the same word or name can vary from one episode to another. This is the case here where the Beth midrash is phonetically transcribed as Bel Nidrac or Bel Nidrasc.
It is the place where Jesus dialogued, at the age of 12, with the doctors of the Temple.[7]
It was a usual place for Jesus[8] who arranged to meet there.[9]
He compares the care of Suzanna towards Aglae to a teaching given at the Bel Nidrasc.[10]
Its name[edit | edit source]
Bel Nidrasc means "The House of Studies." It is found under several spellings: Bel Nidrasc, Beth Midrash, Beit Midrach, Bet Midrach.
Where is it mentioned in the work?[edit | edit source]
Explore[edit | edit source]
- 31° 46’ 48’’ N / 35° 14’ 13’’ E / +735m
Notes and references[edit | edit source]
- ↑ The Beth Midrash, or "house of study," is a central place in the Jewish tradition, dedicated to the study of the Torah and rabbinical texts. It is frequently mentioned in the Talmud, notably in the tractate Shabbat. The Beth Midrash is distinct from the synagogue (Beth Knesset), although often located in the same building.
- ↑ GRM 67.6
- ↑ GRM 68.1
- ↑ Acts 3:11-26 and Acts 5:12-25.
- ↑ GRM 507.1.
- ↑ GRM 492.2
- ↑ GRM 41.2.
- ↑ John 10:23.
- ↑ GRM 111.3
- ↑ GRM 243.3