Legends of the Jews (Ginzberg)

2,650 texts · Page 294 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.

Haman Stands in Prayer

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 12:228

We know the story of Esther, of course. The heroic Jewish queen who saved her people from annihilation in ancient Persia. But have you ever really considered the smaller, almost Sh...

EstherPrayer

Trial of Haman

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 12:229

He was down. Like, really down. After the whole ordeal with having to lead Mordecai around in royal robes – a humiliation orchestrated by the very man he wanted to destroy – and th...

AngelsPatriarchsMosesEsther

Haman: Kingdom of Esther

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 12:230

The scene is set: a lavish banquet, King Ahasuerus at the head of the table, and the villainous Haman anxiously present. According to Legends of the Jews, even as everyone’s eating...

EstherTemple

Angels Attend to Haman

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 12:231

It's a moment dripping with drama. According to Legends of the Jews, Esther reached out, intending to point directly at Haman, the wicked advisor. He wasn't just after her life, yo...

AngelsEsther

Kingdom of Haman and Esther

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 12:232

Esther’s carefully laid trap is working. He's practically begging her to name Haman as the villain. "Just say the word, Esther," he's thinking, "and heads will roll!" But it's not ...

AngelsEstherExile

Harbonah and Divine Judgment

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 12:233

The Book of Esther, and the rich tapestry of stories woven around it in the Midrash (rabbinic commentary), is full of such moments. And perhaps none is so stark as the tale of Harb...

Hell/GehennaEsther

Mordecai: Haman at the Temple

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 12:234

Take the story of Haman and Mordecai from the Book of Esther. We know Haman planned to hang Mordecai on a towering structure, but have you ever considered what that structure was m...

EstherTemplePrayerHoly Land

Legend of Haman

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 12:235

Sometimes, it's almost… mathematical. Take the story of Haman, the villain of the Purim story, and his ultimate downfall. We all know the story: Haman plots to annihilate the Jews ...

Esther

Haman in Battle

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 12:236

In the Book of Esther, we have a pretty clear victory for the Jewish people. Haman, the wicked advisor to King Ahasuerus, is exposed and ultimately hanged on the very gallows he bu...

EstherDivine NamesHoly Land