Can you please tell me about Lilith?
Answer:
In Rabbinic literature, Lilith is mentioned as a female spirit or demon, which represents the evil potential of the female, and the opposite of the Eishet Chayil that the book of Mishlei concludes with. This is the reason for the association of her name with the night (Lailah).
Whereas the Eishet Chayil of the end of Mishlei is absolutely faithful to her husband, Lilith represents a female figure who is fundamentally unfaithful, shedding one partner for another in a constant and never-ending search for pleasure. According to one text, which is expecially prominent in kabbalistic works, she is the cause of nocturnal emanations, which represent a ‘spiritual union’ with Lilith.
The concept remains shrouded in a certain mystery. A possible mention of the concept is made in Yeshayahu 34:13 (see Metzudos), but according to most commentaries the reference is to something else.
Sources: See Talmud: Eiruvin 100b; Niddah 24b; Shabbos 151b; Bava Basra 73a. The concept is expounded on greatly in kabbalistic material.
