Jewish tradition is full of them, little puzzles meant to tease the mind and reveal deeper truths. to a couple of head-scratchers found in Ginzberg's classic, Legends of the Jews – brain teasers that show the wisdom of the sages and the richness of our folklore.
The first one goes like this: "Seven there are that issue and nine that enter; two yield the draught and one drinks." What in the world could that mean? It sounds like something out of a fantasy novel. Well, according to the legend, King Solomon, famed for his wisdom, was presented with this very riddle. And his response? "Seven are the days of a woman's defilement, and nine the months of pregnancy; two are the breasts that yield the draught, and one the child that drinks it."
Suddenly, it all clicks into place! He’s talking about the cycle of life, the intimate connection between a mother and child. The seven days of niddah, the time of ritual impurity after menstruation, the nine months of pregnancy, the two breasts providing nourishment... It’s a beautiful, concise summary of a fundamental human experience. The woman who posed the riddle was so impressed, she simply said, "Thou art wise." I think we'd all agree!
But the riddles don’t stop there. How about this one: "A woman said to her son, thy father is my father, and thy grandfather my husband; thou art my son, and I am thy sister." Confused yet? It's a real mind-bender.
This one requires a little biblical knowledge. The answer, according to the legend, is the daughter of Lot. Remember Lot, who fled Sodom and Gomorrah with his daughters? The story in Genesis (19:31-38) tells how, after the destruction, the daughters, believing they were the last people on earth, got their father drunk and each slept with him in order to continue the family line.
The resulting child, in this case, would indeed have a father who was also his mother's father (grandfather), and a mother who was also his sister. Yikes. It's a disturbing tale, highlighting the desperation and moral complexities of a world turned upside down. But as Solomon knew, understanding these stories, even the uncomfortable ones, is key to wisdom.
These riddles, seemingly simple at first glance, offer glimpses into the way our ancestors thought about the world. They explore themes of family, purity, and the complexities of human relationships.
So, the next time you encounter a challenging riddle, remember these stories. Remember Solomon's wisdom and the power of these ancient puzzles to unlock deeper understanding. What other hidden wisdom might be lurking in the legends we tell?