Parshat Toldot

1,962 related texts · Page 85 of 218

The birth of Jacob and Esau, Esau sells his birthright, Isaac and the Philistines, and Jacob receives Isaac's blessing through deception. Genesis 25:19-28:9.

Samson Among the Fathers and Jacob

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 2:67

We all know the story: the long hair, the Philistines, the betrayal by Delilah. But the tales surrounding Samson, as recounted in Ginzberg's Legends of the Jews, go far beyond what...

PatriarchsMessiahSoulMiracles

Teachings of Isaac and Elijah

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 7:81

Sometimes, the answer might surprise you. Let's talk about Rabbi Isaac Loria, also known as the Ari, the Lion – a pivotal figure in Kabbalah. His teachings marked such a radical sh...

PatriarchsElijahTorah

Jacob Among the Fathers

Ginzberg Legends of the Jews 12:119

The ancient rabbis certainly did. They saw the world brimming with symbolism, with creatures and concepts acting as guardians, protectors, and even accusers of Israel. And these sy...

PatriarchsTorahPrayerHoly Land

Jacob: Moses at the Dawn of Creation

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 2:8

It seems like such a simple detail, but the Torah dedicates a lot of space to describing the precise arrangement of the tribes around the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. And the Rabbis, n...

CreationHeavenNoah & FloodPatriarchs

Covenant of Abraham and Blessings

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 2:12

It all starts with a simple verse: "These are those who were counted of the children of Israel…" And from there, it launches into a deep dive about blessings, promises, and the end...

CreationHeavenPatriarchsMatriarchs

Jacob: Abraham at the Dawn of Creation

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 3:2

And it's one that our sages grappled with too. This week, in our journey through Bamidbar Rabbah, specifically Bamidbar Rabbah 3, we stumble upon a fascinating exploration of being...

CreationPatriarchsMosesKing David

When God Created and Blessings

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 11:7

Jewish tradition grapples with this apparent contradiction all the time. Take the famous Priestly Blessing from Numbers 6:26: "May the Lord show favor to you, and grant you peace."...

CreationHell/GehennaAngelsNoah & Flood

Jacob: Mount Sinai and Creation

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 13:8

The Torah portion Naso, particularly in Bamidbar Rabbah 13, delves into this very concept, using the offerings of the princes as a springboard. It's a fascinating exploration of Is...

CreationAdam & EvePatriarchsJoseph

Isaac: Abraham at the Dawn of Creation

Midrash Rabbah Bamidbar Rabbah 15:12

Jewish tradition suggests that success isn't just handed out; it’s earned through trials, through proving ourselves worthy. Bamidbar Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic teachings on t...

CreationNoah & FloodPatriarchsMatriarchs