עברית
Faith
Did the leaders of the generation of the dispersion turn into monkeys?
Question
Where in the Talmud is it stated that Hashem punished the leaders of the generation of the dispersion and turned them into monkeys?
Answer
Hello,
In the Talmud, Sanhedrin (Ketubot 61a), it states: "The generation of the dispersion has no share in the World to Come. Rabbi Yirmiyah bar Eleazar said: They divided into three factions—one said: 'Let us ascend and settle there,' another said: 'Let us ascend and worship idolatry,' and a third said: 'Let us ascend and wage war.' The faction that said 'Let us ascend and settle there' Hashem scattered; the faction that said 'Let us ascend and wage war' were turned into monkeys, spirits, demons, and night creatures; and the faction that said 'Let us ascend and worship idolatry,' for there Hashem confused the language of all the earth.
It is taught in the Midrash Aggadah (Bereishit 11:8) that Rabbi Natan says: They all intended idolatry. Additionally, the Midrash elaborates: "At the time that Hashem scattered them, those who fell into the water became water spirits; those who fell into the forest became monkeys; and those who fell in the desert became demons."
Wishing you success and blessings, Menashe Israel.
