Legends of the Jews (Ginzberg)

2,650 texts · Page 71 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.

Jacob's Journey and Esau

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:68

The Legends of the Jews, that incredible compilation of rabbinic stories by Louis Ginzberg, paints a vivid picture. Jacob isn’t just walking; he’s transformed. He’s "crowned like a...

HeavenCreaturesPatriarchsMiracles

Jacob's Transgression and Esau

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:70

We know the story: Jacob, disguised, steals the blessing meant for his brother, Esau. But what about the details, the nuances that get lost in the broad strokes of the narrative? L...

PatriarchsMatriarchsTemplePrayer

Isaac's Vision

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:72

According to Legends of the Jews, Isaac's alarm wasn't just a feeling; it was a vision. He saw Gehinnom, hell itself, practically clinging to Esau's heels! The moment Esau stepped ...

Hell/GehennaPatriarchsTorahMessiah

Esau's Transgression and Isaac

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:73

The scene is set: Isaac, old and blind, intends to bless his elder son, Esau. But through a clever ruse orchestrated by his mother, Rebekah, Jacob receives the blessing instead. Im...

Hell/GehennaPatriarchsEstherPrayer

Jacob's Transgression of Esau

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:74

But what if I told you the story doesn't end with Jacob receiving the blessing? What if there's more to the conversation, a divine rebuke even? According to Legends of the Jews, th...

PatriarchsTempleMessiah

Isaac's Legacy of Esau

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:75

We all know the story: Jacob, with a little help from his mother Rebecca, receives the blessing intended for his older brother Esau. Understandably, Esau isn’t thrilled. He’s furio...

PatriarchsPrayer

Isaac's Transgression and Esau

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:77

Take Isaac's blessings to his sons, Esau and Jacob. On the surface, they seem like simple pronouncements of fortune, but scratching beneath the surface reveals a complex theology a...

HeavenPatriarchsJobPrayer

Esau's Transgression and Jacob

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:79

The Torah tells us that Esau harbored a deep-seated hatred for Jacob because of that stolen blessing. He felt utterly cheated. And Jacob, well, he was understandably terrified of h...

PatriarchsMatriarchsPrayerHoly Land

Esau's Transgression of Jacob

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:80

We often think of villains as straightforward, but sometimes their motivations are twisted and surprising. Take Esau, for example. According to Ginzberg's retelling in Legends of t...

PatriarchsMatriarchsMysticism