Legends of the Jews (Ginzberg)

2,650 texts · Page 210 of 295

Selections from Louis Ginzberg's monumental Legends of the Jews, a seven-volume compilation that weaves together aggadic material from the Talmud, Midrash, and other rabbinic literature into a continuous narrative.

Trial of Balaam and Balak

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:34

Let’s talk about Balaam and Balak, two figures from the Torah whose story is a masterclass in the art of near-misses and thwarted curses. The next morning, after their initial fail...

PrayerHoly Land

Kingdom of Balaam and Thee

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:35

He's hired by Balak, a Moabite king, to curse the Israelites. Balak is terrified of them, seeing them as a threat. Balaam, knowing he can't really curse them if God doesn't allow i...

Adam & EveNoah & FloodPatriarchsMoses

Kingdom of Moses and Balaam

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:36

The story of Balaam is a strange one, filled with prophecy, curses, and a talking donkey (yes, really!). But at its heart, it's a story about choice, and how our actions can either...

MosesTempleProphecySoul

Balaam Among the Heavenly Host

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:37

Imagine the scene: Balaam, the non-Jewish prophet-for-hire, is up to no good. He's been hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse the Israelites (Numbers 22-24). He's built seven alta...

AngelsJosephHoly LandEgypt

Balaam's Transgression and Balak

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:39

So, Balaam, the non-Jewish prophet hired by Balak, king of Moab, to curse the Israelites, is ready to get down to business. Balak and his princes are all waiting, anticipation thic...

PatriarchsMosesPrayerMiracles

Abraham: Enosh and Noah

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:40

It wasn't a simple "Let there be light!" and, boom, the universe. There was some serious deliberation involved. Imagine God, contemplating the void. As we read in Legends of the Je...

Noah & FloodPatriarchsMosesRepentance

Balaam's Transgression and Blessings

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:41

We're talking about a powerful statement made by none other than the prophet Balaam, a figure known for his ability to curse nations. He was hired to curse the Israelites, but some...

Noah & FloodTorahHoly Land

Tale of Balaam

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:42

The story of Balaam, the non-Jewish prophet, gives us a tantalizing glimpse. He was a powerful figure, no doubt about it. But what he lacked was the key to true and lasting impact....

Balaam: Kingdom of Balak

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:44

Balak, the King of Moab, certainly believed in the power of place. And he was desperate. You see, Balak had a problem: the Israelites. A massive, powerful nation camped right on hi...

MosesHoly Land