The Souls Of Converts

Rashi on Genesis 12:5

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"That they had made in Haran" (Genesis 12:5). For he had brought them under the wings of the Divine Presence: Abraham would convert the men and Sarah would convert the women, and Scripture reckons it to them as if they had made them. And the plain meaning of the verse is the menservants and maidservants that they had acquired for themselves, as in "He has gathered all this wealth [literally, made this honor]" (Genesis 31:1), and "Israel does valiantly [literally, makes valor]" (Numbers 24:18) an expression of acquiring and gathering.

Themes

CreationDemonsHeavenTorahPatriarchsAdam EveMysticismSoul

Original Sources

  • Rashi on Genesis 12:5
  • Zohar 1:79a, 3:168a
  • Zohar Hadash, Balak 53
  • Megaleh Amukot on Genesis 30:23
  • Or ha-Hayim on Deuteronomy 21:10-11
  • Tiferet Shlomo on Genesis 12:5
  • Sihot Shedim 1 in Sifrei Rabbi Tzadok ha-Kohen

Biblical References

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Legends of the JewsThe Birth Of Esau And JacobThis is a tale you won't soon forget. In Legends of the Jews, Isaac, son of Abraham, was a chip off the old block. He mirrored his father in every way, beauty, Legends of the JewsThe Ascension Of MosesThe stories surrounding Moses, our great leader and prophet, offer glimpses into just such an experience. It's more than just receiving the Ten Commandments; itSefer haZoharThe Angel Raziel Reveals All Future Generations to AdamSome say they're locked away in a book, a very special book called the Book of Raziel. This isn't your ordinary paperback. According to tradition, this book wasBereshit RabbahRachel And The Stolen IdolsThe familiar story is this: Jacob, fleeing his father-in-law Laban, takes his wives and children and makes a run for it. But the book of Genesis (31:34) throws Legends of the JewsThe Ideal ManJewish tradition certainly has, and the figure of Adam, the first man, looms large in that contemplation. to some fascinating stories about him, drawn from the Legends of the JewsThe Fall Of SatanIt all starts, according to some traditions, with a clash of egos, a refusal to bow, and a trial of wit gone wrong. The Legends of the Jews, as retold by Ginzbe