Midrash is a Jewish mode of interpretation that seeks to answer religious questions by exploring the meaning of the words of the Torah. The term "midrash" comes from the Hebrew root "darash," which means "resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require". Midrash is a mode of biblical interpretation that is prominent in the Talmudic literature. It is an expansive Jewish Biblical exegesis that engages the words of the text, behind the text, and beyond the text, focusing on each letter and the words left unsaid by each line. Midrash responds to contemporary problems and crafts new stories, making connections between new Jewish realities and the unchanging biblical text. Midrash falls into two categories: Midrash Halacha, which interprets law and religious practice, and Midrash Aggadah, which interprets biblical narrative, exploring questions of ethics or theology, or creating homilies and parables based on the text. Midrash Aggadah specializes in taking Scripture and teasing out a modern application. Midrash is not meant to be literal Scripture but rather a jumping-off point for contemplation. Midrashic creativity reached its peak in the schools of Rabbi Ishmael and Akiba.