Legends of the Jews (Ginzberg)

2,650 texts · Page 81 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.

Esau: Birth of Jacob

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:208

I'm talking about Jacob and Esau. We know their story. The birthright, the blessing… but there’s so much more simmering beneath the surface. It's easy to look at Jacob and see him ...

AngelsPatriarchsElijahJob

Jacob Wrestles the Angel and Esau

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:210

You finally catch a break, and then... BAM! Another challenge appears. Our ancestor Jacob knew that feeling all too well. After years of wandering, wrestling angels, and navigating...

AngelsPatriarchsWisdom

Wisdom of Jacob and Shechem

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:212

The story of Jacob arriving in Shechem in the Book of Genesis (Gen. 33:18-20) gives us a glimpse into that idea. But the Rabbis, in their infinite wisdom, expanded the narrative in...

HeavenPatriarchsTempleSabbath

Way of the Patriarchs and Shechem

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:214

While Jacob and his sons were sitting in the house of learning, occupied with the study of the Torah, Dinah went abroad to see the dancing and singing women, whom Shechem had hired...

PatriarchsTorah

Faith of Laban

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:215

Jacob, our patriarch, knew that feeling all too well. But what if that misfortune wasn't just random chance? What if it was… a consequence? See, according to some traditions, Jacob...

Hell/GehennaPatriarchsJob

Dinah and Noah

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:216

It’s a tale filled with passion, deceit, and the raw emotions that boil within families. The story goes that Shechem, son of Hamor, defiled Dinah. When Jacob heard this news, he se...

Noah & FloodPatriarchs

Dinah and the Fires of Gehenna

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:217

Our story begins with Dinah, Jacob's daughter, and Shechem, son of Hamor, a prince of the Hivites. Shechem, captivated by Dinah, takes her – a violation that sets in motion a chain...

Hell/GehennaPatriarchsCovenant

Jacob: Shechem and the Patriarchs

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:219

Our story today dives right into that murky territory, exploring the story of Shechem, the son of Hamor, and his burning desire for Dinah, Jacob's daughter. We last left off with S...

PatriarchsJosephCovenant

Shechem's Transgression

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 6:220

So, picture this: It’s the evening of the second day after the… ahem… agreement between Jacob's sons and the people of Shechem. You remember the agreement. The one where all the me...

JosephHoly LandCovenant