Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 382 pages
- Published by: Forgotten Books February 7, 2008
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 1605067598
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-1605067599
-
Book Dimensions:
9 x 6 x 1 inches
- Weighs: 1.4 pounds
Product Description
Book Description: "In the background of what has become known as ceremonial magic is medieval Jewish magic. In turn this was based on the Kabbalah, the Jewish traditions known as Haggadah, and other esoteric beliefs. This is a comprehensive review of Jewish magic from the 10th to the 15th century, including a rich lode of folklore. Many well-known Jewish traditions are explained, such as why a glass is broken at a wedding, and how the expression mazel tov is related to a belief in Astrology. Trachtenberg deals extensively with Golems, Succubi, the Lillim, (from Lilith--Adam's first wife), and other magical creatures, some well known such as werewolves, and others not so well, such as estrie, mare and broxa. There are detailed descriptions of talismans, amulets, charms, and other curious magical objects. There are chapters dealing with dream interpretation, medical beliefs, necromancy, and other forms of divination. There is also a short glossary, so if you are having trouble telling the difference between a Kaddish and a Kiddush, you're in luck."
(Quote from sacred-texts.com)Table of Contents: Publisher's Preface; Preface; Notes; The Legend Of Jewish Sorcery; The Truth Behind The Legend; The Powers Of Evil; Man And The Demons; The Spirits Of The Dead; The Powers Of Good; "in The Name Of . . ."; The Bible In Magic; The Magical Procedure; Amulets; The War With The Spirits; Nature And Man; Medicine; Divination; Dreams; Astrology; Appendix I. The Formation Of Magical Names; Appendix ii. Ms. Sefer Gematriaot, On Gems; Abbreviations And Hebrew Titles; Bibliography; A.—a Note About The Sources; B.—hebrew Sources, Printed; C.—hebrew Sources In Manuscript; D.—modern Literature; Glossary Of Hebrew Terms; Endnotes
About the Publisher: Forgotten Books is a publisher of historical writings, such as: Philosophy, Classics, Science, Religion, Esoteric and Mythology. www.forgottenbooks.org
Forgotten Books is about sharing information, not about making money. All books are priced at wholesale prices. We are also the only publisher we know of to print in large sans-serif font, which is proven to make the text easier to read and put less strain on your eyes.
About The Author
About the Author: "The author, Joshua Trachtenberg (b. 1904, d. 1959) was a reform rabbi on the east coast of the US. This is an elaboration of his Columbia University Ph.D. thesis. Trachtenberg's appreciation of the role of folk-magic in Jewish culture is important for the study of Judaism, and also the roots of modern Pagan beliefs and practices."
(Quote from sacred-texts.com)
Reader Reviews
This review is from: Jewish Magic and Superstition: A Study in Folk Religion (Paperback)
This is an excellent introduction to the subject of Judaism and magic & superstition. It covers broad territory - powers of good & evil, demons, holy names, medicine, amulets, divination, dreams, and more - and supplies an extensive bibliography for those interested to continue studying any of the subjects in the book. What I didn't find in the book is details or flesh - the book has a lot of breadth, but just scratches the surface on each of the subjects. Also, the book gives details about the customs of German Jews at specific centuries, but rarely mentions customs of, say, Jews from Islamic countries. So if you're looking for an introduction, this is the book for you. If you're looking for depth, I suggest books such as Aryeh Kaplan's.
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