Legends of the Jews (Ginzberg)

2,650 texts · Page 38 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.

Enosh and the Angels

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 3:9

According to tradition, the descent into depravity that started with Enosh, the grandson of Adam, really kicked into high gear during the time of his grandson Jared. And who was to...

CreationHeavenAngelsDemons

Enoch and the Angels

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 3:10

That’s the story of Enoch. According to Legends of the Jews, after spending a long time in seclusion, Enoch heard an angel calling him. “Enoch, Enoch,” the angel said, “make yourse...

CreationHeavenAngelsAdam & Eve

Enoch at the Dawn of Creation

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 3:11

According to Legends of the Jews, Enoch, the great-grandfather of Noah, experienced not just one, but two ascensions to heaven! The first time, Enoch was still living amongst human...

CreationHeavenAngelsDemons

Metatron and the Origins of the World

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 3:12

Enoch, as we find in Legends of the Jews, wasn't just any guy. He lived in a time when, according to Rabbi Ishmael (as told by Enoch himself!), humanity had really messed things up...

CreationHeavenAngelsDemons

Methuselah and the Origins of the World

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 3:13

Today, let’s talk about Methuselah. Yes, that Methuselah, the guy famous for living almost a thousand years. But there's so much more to his story than just longevity. According to...

CreationDemonsAdam & EveNoah & Flood

Noah's Ark and Lamech

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 4:2

Today's story? It centers around the birth of a very, very special child – Noah. Yes, that Noah, of ark fame. Now, you might think you know the story. But before the floods, before...

CreationHeavenPrayerMiracles

Birth of Methuselah

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 4:3

That's the weight Methuselah carried in our story today, a story steeped in the anxiety of a world on the brink. It all begins with Lamech, Methuselah's son, and the birth of his o...

Hell/GehennaNoah & FloodMysticismExile

Noah and Adam

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 4:4

We know the story of Noah, the ark, and the animals two-by-two. But what about Noah himself? What kind of a man was he? Jewish tradition, as always, has some fascinating things to ...

Adam & EveNoah & FloodMysticismCovenant

Birth of Noah and Adam

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 4:6

: the earth itself was rebelling. The text tells us that "wheat being sown, yet oats would sprout and grow." A frustrating, chaotic agricultural landscape. It’s a powerful image of...

Adam & EveNoah & FloodRepentance