Legends of the Jews (Ginzberg)

2,650 texts · Page 60 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.

Kingdom of Abraham and Philistines

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 5:205

Turns out, even he had to deal with pushy neighbors and the occasional diplomatic dance. After a twenty-six-year stay in Philistine lands, Abraham moved near Hebron. Can you imagin...

Patriarchs

Covenant of Abraham and Abimelech

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 5:206

The Torah is full of moments like that, and the story of Abraham and Abimelech is a perfect example. Before Abraham finalized his covenant with Abimelech, king of the Philistines, ...

Noah & FloodPatriarchsTorahMiracles

Abraham and the Origins of the World

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 5:207

For many years, Abraham dwelled in Beer-sheba, and his primary occupation wasn't just tending flocks, but spreading the word, the dvar Hashem, of God. He wasn't content to keep his...

CreationHeavenHell/GehennaPatriarchs

Birth of Abraham and Satan

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 5:209

Even Abraham, the patriarch famed for his boundless hospitality, had moments like that. Imagine the scene: a lavish birthday feast for young Isaac. All the bigwigs are there, wives...

DemonsPatriarchsJobTemple

Heavenly Court and Abraham

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 5:211

Abraham, busy with honored guests, and Sarah, proving to the women that Isaac was truly her child... they were preoccupied. And at their door stood a beggar, completely ignored. Th...

DemonsPatriarchsMatriarchsJob

Covenant of Circumcision and Isaac

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 5:212

You might imagine sibling rivalry, but perhaps you haven't imagined this level of one-upmanship. The story goes that Ishmael, brimming with pride, decided to brag to Isaac. Accordi...

Patriarchs

The Binding of Isaac and Abraham

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 5:224

It's one of the most powerful, and most disturbing, narratives in the Torah. And it all starts with a test. "And the Lord thought to try Abraham and Isaac in this matter. And He sa...

PatriarchsTemple

Abraham's Miracle and Sarah

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 5:225

Abraham found himself in a quandary. "How," he wondered aloud, "am I going to separate my son Isaac from his mother, Sarah?" It's a universal question, isn't it? How do we let go, ...

PatriarchsMatriarchsSoul

Sarah's Legacy and Isaac

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 5:226

That feeling, that universal human experience, echoes powerfully in the story of Sarah and Isaac's parting. Imagine Sarah, having spent the entire night weeping for Isaac. This isn...

PatriarchsMatriarchs