Legends of the Jews (Ginzberg)

2,650 texts · Page 262 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.

Death of Reuben

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 7:75

Jewish tradition is full of such stories, tales where piety, cleverness, and heartfelt pleas manage to alter even the most seemingly unchangeable decrees. One such story, recounted...

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Elijah and the Patriarchs of Elkanah

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 7:78

The one who visits to herald the coming of the Messiah. But his influence stretches far beyond that single night. According to tradition, Elijah wasn't just hanging around offering...

PatriarchsMosesKing DavidElijah

Elijah in Battle and Joseph

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 7:80

That's the story we hear about certain exceptional disciples, men who delved deep into the mystical heart of Judaism. We learn that after a disciple had thoroughly absorbed these m...

CreationAngelsDemonsJoseph

Teachings of Isaac and Elijah

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 7:81

Sometimes, the answer might surprise you. Let's talk about Rabbi Isaac Loria, also known as the Ari, the Lion – a pivotal figure in Kabbalah. His teachings marked such a radical sh...

PatriarchsElijahTorahCovenant

Rabbi Eliezer's Compassion

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 7:82

Sometimes, the most extraordinary lives begin with the most ordinary acts of kindness. Take the story of Rabbi Eliezer, father of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov – a name that echoes th...

HeavenElijahMysticismSabbath

Elijah in Battle and Messiah

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 7:84

But Elijah's not just about dramatic showdowns with false gods – that was just the warm-up! The real action starts in the days of the Messiah. : the world needs a serious fixer-upp...

PatriarchsMosesElijahTorah

Elijah's Vision

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 7:85

Jewish tradition offers a breathtaking vision of how that might actually happen, and it all begins with Elijah. Imagine this: three days before the Messiah's arrival, Elijah the pr...

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Elijah and the Heavenly Realms of Messiah

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 7:87

That, my friends, is the sound of Elijah heralding the arrival of the Messiah. What does that sound do, though? According to the Legends of the Jews, retold by Ginzberg, it's not j...

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Elisha: Elijah and the Angels

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 8:3

According to some traditions, the final act of the prophet Elijah, that fiery figure of the Hebrew Bible, will be the ultimate showdown. He will carry out God's command to slay Sam...

CreationHeavenAngelsDemons