I adopted “justice” rather than “righteousness” for צדק, as it more clearly conveys the sense of the Hebrew word to the English reader.
The plan and purpose of the Legends of the Jews has been thoroughly expounded by Prof. Ginzberg in his introductions to vols. I and V. Suffice it to say that this work represents the greatest single contribution to the study of the Agada within a century. Its significance lies not only in its unsurpassed collection of materials from all out of the way sources, but also in the fact that it paves the way for numerous monographs in the various fields of theology, folklore, superstition, customs and legends. In an extensive review of the Legends in the JOR, N. S., vol. 24, Prof. Bernard Heller of Budapest has presented an appreciation of the value of the Legends for further researches into the field of the Agada. I merely wish to stress the fact that the complete collection of references to Josephus, Philo, Hellenistic Literature and the Church Fathers will help the critical student in the study of the historical development of the Agada, which has hardly been begun.
In conclusion I wish to express my profound thanks to Professors Louis Ginzberg and Alexander Marx for helpful suggestions in the course of the compilation of the Index, and to Mr. Maurice Jacobs, Executive Secretary of the Jewish Publication Society of America for his many courtesies in connection with the publication of the volume.
Boaz Cohen
January 1st, 1938
