Legends of the Jews (Ginzberg)

2,650 texts · Page 29 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.

Pillars of Existence and Israelites

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 2:6

Not according to some powerful Jewish legends! They paint a picture of a world created specifically for us, for the people of Israel. It’s a pretty bold claim, isn't it? But let's ...

CreationHeavenJosephMoses

Mount Sinai and the Origins of the World

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 2:9

According to some fascinating Jewish traditions, it kind of does. Imagine this: God, in His infinite wisdom, creates the universe. A dazzling display of stars, planets, oceans, mou...

CreationHeavenMosesTorah

He and the Angels

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 2:11

Spoiler alert: it wasn't. In fact, a heavenly debate raged, with the angels themselves deeply divided about whether creating humankind was a good idea. Imagine the scene. The Angel...

CreationHeavenAngels

Lore of the Ancients and Thou

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 2:12

The universe is a vast, seemingly endless expanse, and yet, here we are, tiny humans on a small planet, contemplating our existence. It’s a question that has plagued philosophers a...

Gabriel: Adam and the Angels

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 2:13

Imagine being an angel, privy to the divine plan, and thinking, "Uh, God, are you sure about this whole 'humanity' thing?" Well, according to tradition, some angels did have seriou...

AngelsExile

Labbiel Beyond the Firmament

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 2:14

It’s not all harps and halos, let me tell you. Some of them… well, they weren’t exactly thrilled with the idea. According to Ginzberg's retelling in Legends of the Jews, there were...

HeavenHell/GehennaAngelsWisdom

Adam and the Angels of Gabriel

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 2:16

The story of Adam's creation is far richer than you might think. Imagine this: God, having finally convinced the angels that creating humankind was a good idea, turns to Gabriel an...

AngelsAdam & Eve

Job and the Accuser of Thine

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 2:18

According to some fascinating traditions, there was. Imagine this: God is about to create humankind. But before the first breath is drawn, before the first foot touches the earth, ...

JobTorahTempleRepentance

Pillars of Existence

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 2:21

But Jewish tradition offers a particularly beautiful and intricate answer, focusing on the incredible care God took not just in forming our bodies, but especially in crafting our s...

CreationHeavenSoul