Good and Evil in Jewish Mythology

7 myths

The origins and nature of good and evil in Jewish thought, from the two inclinations to the cosmic struggle between light and darkness.
Parshat Balak 5 min

Laban Pursued Jacob to Gilead and Came Back as Balaam

He watched the cock on the ridge above the camp. When the comb went white, God was angry, and a curse could land. The comb stayed red.

BalaamLabanJacobMosesProphecyYetzer HaraNationsGood And EvilGinzberg
Myth 6 min

Gabriel Throws Haman Onto the Couch Before the King

Haman was already on his knees. Gabriel shoved him onto Esther's couch in the same breath the king came back from the wrecked garden.

EstherAngelsJudgmentDivine JusticeMagicGood And Evil
Parshat Vayechi 5 min

Issachar the Farmer Who Never Sinned and Kept a Single Eye

Two sisters argued in a field in Haran over a handful of apples. The price they settled on was one night with their husband, and the child was Issachar.

PatriarchsHumilityYetzer HaraGood And EvilWisdomTorahFaith
Parshat Vayeshev 5 min

Benjamin Knew Joseph's Secret and Kept It From His Brothers

When Benjamin went to Egypt, Joseph pulled him aside and asked what their brothers had told Jacob. The answer revealed a mercy his brothers never knew about.

JosephBenjaminPatriarchsForgivenessGood And EvilCreationAngelsEgypt
Parshat Bereshit 5 min

Ha-Satan Refused to Bow Before Adam Because He Was Jealous

When God formed Adam and commanded the angels to honor him, Ha-Satan, the Accuser, refused. Formed from fire, he would not bow before dust.

Adam EveAngelsGood And EvilYetzer HaraParadiseSinCreationSatanaelAdamEdenEnvy
Parshat Bereshit 6 min

Adam Met Cain on the Road and Asked About the Verdict

The first murderer walked out of his sentencing in a good mood. His father, who had only eaten fruit, never got out from under his own.

RepentanceAdam EveGood And EvilMercySin
Parshat Vayechi 5 min

Asher Saw Two Paths in Everything and Chose One

Asher was a hundred and twenty-five and still strong when he called his sons in. He told them a man can hurt someone in order to heal him.

AsherCreationPatriarchsEthicsGood And EvilTribes