Jewish Magic and Folklore: Messages from beyond the Mountains of Darkness

Harvard FAS

This course surveys the centuries-long history of Jewish magic and folklore, with particular attention to two central paradoxes of the field:(1) The diverse magical and folkloric traditions of the Jewish diaspora have been substantially influenced by the practices and lore of neighboring non-Jewish groups. Nevertheless, Jewish magic and folklore exhibit remarkable continuities over time, with various ideas and motifs spanning Jewish history from its ancient beginnings to the present.(2)…