Tree of Souls (Schwartz)

645 texts · Page 43 of 72

Texts from Howard Schwartz's Tree of Souls: The Mythology of Judaism, a landmark anthology gathering myths and legends spanning the full arc of Jewish tradition, from the creation of the world to the coming of the Messiah.

The Sabbath Bride

Tree of Souls

Jewish mystical tradition paints a breathtaking picture of the Sabbath – not just as a day of rest, but as a sacred marriage, a cosmic coronation, a weekly reunion between God and…...

CreationAngelsHeavenAdam & Eve

Greeting The Sabbath Queen

Tree of Souls

The idea of greeting the Sabbath Queen, or Shabbat Malkah, has captured the hearts and minds of Jewish mystics and everyday people for centuries. We find this beautiful custom echo...

CreationAdam & Eve

The Second Soul

Tree of Souls

Maybe it's not just the challah talking. Jewish tradition whispers of a secret gift bestowed upon us every Shabbat: a second soul. Imagine it: As Shabbat descends, as the candles a...

HeavenMessiahAdam & EveSoul

The Souls Of The Dead On The Sabbath

Tree of Souls

We know it's a time for rest, reflection, and delicious challah, but Jewish tradition holds some truly wondrous ideas about this holy day, reaching even beyond the veil of life its...

Hell/GehennaMessiahAdam & EveMysticism

The Soul In The Garden Of Eden

Tree of Souls

According to some beautiful Jewish traditions, a little bit of heaven actually touches Earth on Shabbat. Imagine this: when we keep the Sabbath, something amazing happens to our so...

HeavenAdam & EveSoul

God's Daughter

Tree of Souls

Like everyone else has a partner, a purpose, a connection that you're just... outside of? Well, according to some beautiful old stories, even the Sabbath felt that way. The Sabbath...

HeavenTorahMosesProphecy

God Guides Moses In Prayer

Tree of Souls

The story of Moses on Mount Sinai offers a profound glimpse into this mystery, showing us not just what to pray, but how. The Book of Exodus tells us that Moses ascended Mount Sina...

CreationTorahMosesAdam & Eve

The First Sabbath

Tree of Souls

According to some fascinating traditions, that first Sabbath wasn't just a day of rest, it was also the first Rosh ha-Shanah, the Jewish New Year! It fell on the first of Tishrei, ...

CreationAdam & EveNoah & Flood

God Keeps The Sabbath

Tree of Souls

In fact, the Sabbath isn't just a terrestrial observance; it's a celestial one, too. Imagine this: right after creating the Sabbath, God gathers all the angels – the angels of the ...

CreationAngelsHeavenTorah