Legends of the Jews (Ginzberg)

2,650 texts · Page 80 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.

Mount Moriah at the Dawn of Creation

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:197

Our ancestor Jacob certainly did. The Torah tells us that Jacob wrestled with an angel – a divine being – all night long (Genesis 32:25-30). But what really happened that night? Wh...

CreationAngelsPatriarchsTemple

Jacob Wrestles the Angel and the Throne

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:198

Take Jacob, for instance. His story isn't just about wrestling an angel; it's about the very human cost of that struggle. We all know the story: Jacob, alone in the darkness, grapp...

AngelsPatriarchs

Birth of Jacob and Esau

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:199

We know from the Torah that Jacob took precautions, dividing his family and possessions. But Ginzberg, in Legends of the Jews, paints a more vivid picture of Jacob’s strategic, alm...

PatriarchsMatriarchsJoseph

Jacob and the Patriarchs of Esau

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:200

The story of Jacob and his reunion with his brother Esau offers a powerful glimpse into just that kind of devotion. We all know the story: Jacob, after years of estrangement, is pr...

PatriarchsMatriarchsJosephShabbat

Jacob's Transgression and Blessings

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:201

He wasn't just miffed at his brother Jacob. He was incandescent with rage. Remember, Jacob had received the blessings meant for Esau, and Esau wasn't about to let that go. He wante...

PatriarchsJoseph

Birth of Esau and the Chariot

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:202

The stories we find in Jewish tradition certainly do. Take the tale of Esau and Jacob, for instance. It’s a story filled with sibling rivalry, deception, and, as we'll see, divine ...

Patriarchs

Esau: Jacob Among the Fathers

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:204

After years of estrangement, Jacob, returning to his homeland, prepares for his reunion with his brother Esau. He sends messengers ahead, laden with gifts, hoping to appease Esau's...

Patriarchs

Trial of Esau and Jacob

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:206

Not some friendly sparring, but a fierce, all-night battle with a mysterious being. It turns out, according to Legends of the Jews, Jacob had good reason to keep replaying that sce...

AngelsPatriarchsPrayerWisdom

Birth of Jacob of Esau

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:207

The story of Jacob and Esau, those eternally squabbling twins, offers us a fascinating glimpse into just that. We all know the tale: Jacob, the trickster, steals Esau’s birthright ...

PatriarchsHoly Land