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The story begins with an ass – not just any ass, mind you, but one created on the sixth day of creation itself! According to Legends of the Jews, this creature was gifted to Balaam...
We're talking about a powerful statement made by none other than the prophet Balaam, a figure known for his ability to curse nations. He was hired to curse the Israelites, but some...
It’s a question that’s echoed through the ages, and in the story of Balak and Balaam, we get a glimpse of a fascinating answer. Remember Balak, the King of Moab, and Balaam, the pr...
According to ancient Jewish tradition, the people of Israel are unlike any other nation. Why? Because their entire lives are framed by a devotion to Torah (Jewish law and teachings...
But the story, as always, is far more complex than it seems. Balaam, unlike some of the other characters we encounter in the Hebrew Bible, doesn't give up easily. After initially b...
It all boils down to a simple, yet profound observation: "Throw the stick up in the air it will always return to its original place." This idea sets the stage for a rather scandalo...
The story centers around Zimri, a prince of the tribe of Simeon, and his brazen defiance. He publicly takes Cozbi, a Midianite woman, as his own. A clear violation of the law. But ...
It’s a question that’s haunted scholars and storytellers for centuries. But the answer, as is often the case in Jewish tradition, is layered with meaning and moral complexity. The ...
We're talking about a pretty intense moment described in Legends of the Jews, Ginzberg's monumental compilation of rabbinic stories and lore. The Israelites are in deep trouble. Th...
