The Phoenix

The phoenix has a Torah origin and significance. The phoenix, or chol in Hebrew, was the only animal that refused to eat from the Tree of Knowledge in Gan Eden, earning it eternal life. It also received a blessing from Noach. Upon realizing the self-sacrificing thoughtfulness & humility of the phoenix, Noach blessed the bird, "And may it be Hashem's will that you will never die.” The phoenix is mentioned and discussed by many Torah Sages throughout history, such as Rashi, the Gemara, the Malbim, the Maharal, and Chassidus.