Legends of the Jews (Ginzberg)

2,650 texts · Page 70 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.

Holy Spirit and Jacob

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:57

Rebekah, wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau, certainly did. Imagine this: Isaac, old and blind, is about to bestow a blessing – a powerful, almost magical blessing – on his...

HeavenPatriarchsMatriarchsJoseph

Jacob in Paradise

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:58

We often think of Rebekah's role in the story of Jacob and Esau as somewhat manipulative, but when you dig into the legends, you find a fierce maternal love driving her actions. : ...

Adam & EvePatriarchsMatriarchsPrayer

Jacob's Transgression and Rebekah

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:59

It's a painful scene. The text tells us he was in tears, his body bowed with the weight of it all. He didn’t want to do it! But Rebekah, driven by her own convictions, was insisten...

PatriarchsMatriarchsTemplePrayer

Esau: Adam and Noah

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:60

The story of Jacob and Esau, and their mother Rebekah's intervention, is a wild ride, full of trickery and profound implications. Jacob, you see, was still hesitant about Rebekah's...

CreaturesAdam & EveNoah & FloodPatriarchs

Blessing of Jacob and Isaac

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:61

We all know the story: Isaac, old and blind, intends to bless his elder son Esau. But Rebekah, favoring her younger son Jacob, orchestrates a deception. She dresses Jacob in Esau's...

HeavenAngelsPatriarchsMatriarchs

Blessing of Isaac and Jacob

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:62

Take Isaac, for instance, getting ready to bless his son. It wasn't just a simple, "May good things come your way." This was a prophetic act, shaping the future of generations. Isa...

HeavenPatriarchsPrayerHoly Land

Jacob's Transgression and Isaac

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:63

It’s a question that takes us right to the heart of Jewish mystical tradition. Take the story of Jacob and Isaac. It's a pivotal moment in Genesis. Jacob, disguised as his brother ...

CreationHeavenAngelsPatriarchs

Jacob's Transgression of Isaac

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:64

The story of Jacob and his blessings takes on a whole new dimension when you realize just how closely God mirrors the blessings given by Isaac. It's almost as if the divine is sayi...

PatriarchsPrayer

Jacob's Transgression of Rebekah

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:66

The Jewish tradition is rich with imagery of divine guardianship, and one of the most beautiful examples comes to us through the story of Jacob. Imagine young Jacob, about to embar...

Adam & EvePatriarchsMatriarchsSoul