Yiddish superstition and magical rituals have deep roots in Jewish folklore and traditions. These beliefs and practices are often passed down through generations and serve as a way to protect individuals from various forms of harm and bring luck and prosperity. **Superstitions** are often based on specific actions or objects that are believed to have special powers or carry certain meanings. For example, it is believed that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck, or that walking under a ladder is unlucky. Yiddish superstitions are no different, with many specific beliefs and rituals unique to Jewish culture. **Magical rituals** are another important aspect of Yiddish superstition.
Strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, or any flavor jam is more than just a tasty gift to bring to a new home — it also serves as a distraction. While guests celebrate a new beginning, demons nosh on sweet jam instead of wreaking havoc.
Ironically, the red string bracelet isn t a practice that s deeply rooted in religious text, and has actually been documented in many different cultures and countries like China and Greece. Ironically, the red string bracelet isn t a practice that s deeply rooted in religious text, and has actually been documented in many different cultures and countries like China and Greece.
**Magical rituals** are another important aspect of Yiddish superstition. These rituals are often performed to ward off evil spirits, bring good fortune, or heal the sick. One well-known ritual is the **kinehora**, where individuals pretend to spit three times and then say "pu, pu, pu" to ward off the evil eye.
Magical Thinking – Superstitions & Other Persistent Notions
This collection of works from over 20 contemporary artists explores superstitions in Jewish life, protective amulets, Jewish folklore characters and symbolic imagery like the hamsa, black cats, and mirrors.
- Arts & Ideas
- Jewish Life
- Adult
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Evil Eyes by Merle Temkin
CURATED BY THE HELLER MUSEUM AT HEBREW UNION COLLEGE – JEWISH INSTITUTE OF RELIGION
Human beings have a longstanding tendency to get creative when encountering confounding experiences. We write songs and stories, imagine fantastic beings, and make protective rituals, amulets and potions. From its first appearance on the spiritual scene, Judaism has been infused with magical creatures, prophetic dreams, and both wondrous and terrifying miracles. Torah attributes most of these paranormal elements to The Divine –suggesting that even incomprehensible, frightening or unprecedented occurrences may feel menacing, but they are ultimately under Divine providence.
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT
This exhibit is on view September 5 – January 7, 2024.
This collection brings together over 20 contemporary artists to reveal the history, scope and importance of magical thinking in Judaism. Here they employ their creativity to explore protective amulets and good luck charms, black cats and mirrors, demons and angels. Their work delights, provokes and illuminates these traditions. This traveling exhibition from the Heller Museum at Hebrew Union College includes works in oil, watercolors, acrylics, collage, paper cuts, photography and mixed media. The collection skillfully intertwines the ancient with the modern, presenting age-old beliefs and practices through the lens of contemporary art. The exhibit sparks a sense of wonder and invites viewers to connect with the rich tapestry of Jewish heritage.
Among the enchanting symbols explored, the Hamsa, with its centuries-old significance as a protective talisman, takes center stage. Through the artists’ interpretations, the Hamsa comes alive in striking new forms, serving as a powerful emblem of hope and safeguarding, bridging the gap between past and present beliefs. A captivating display of ritual objects, from mezuzot to menorahs, featuring the Hamsa design are contributed by The Magnes Collection.
Thanks you to our generous funders and partners:
Dr. Bernard Heller Museum at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion
The Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life at the University of California, Berkeley
Debra and Barry Cohn
Midrash legend has it that when someone sneezed it meant they were going to die. This comes from the folklore that, until Jacob’s time, when a person was about to die they’d sneeze and pass away instantly.
This practice is believed to protect against envy or jealousy that could cause harm. Another ritual is the **red thread** tied around the wrist, which is thought to ward off the evil eye and bring luck and protection. In addition to specific rituals, Yiddish superstitions also involve various objects and symbols. For example, **hamsa** is a hand-shaped amulet often used to protect against the evil eye. The **mezuzah**, a parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah, is placed on door frames to bring blessings to the home. The **chai** symbol, meaning "life" in Hebrew, is often worn as a pendant or charm for protection and good luck. Yiddish superstition and magical rituals continue to be important aspects of Jewish culture, serving as a way to connect with traditions and find comfort and protection in a sometimes uncertain world. While many modern individuals may view these practices as mere superstitions, they hold deep meaning and significance for those who continue to uphold them..
Reviews for "The Power of Yiddish Proverbs and Superstitions"
1. Angela Thompson - 1/5 - I found the book "Yiddish superstition and magical rituals" to be utterly ridiculous. The author seemed to have a poor understanding of both Yiddish culture and superstitions. The book was filled with bizarre claims and presented them as fact without any proper evidence or historical context. It felt more like a work of fantasy than a serious study of Yiddish traditions. I would not recommend this book to anyone genuinely interested in understanding Yiddish culture and folklore.
2. David Rosenberg - 2/5 - As someone who has grown up surrounded by Yiddish culture, I was excited to read "Yiddish superstition and magical rituals." However, I found the book to be a disappointing and shallow portrayal of Yiddish traditions. The author seemed to have cherry-picked certain superstitions while completely ignoring others, resulting in an incomplete and inaccurate representation. Additionally, the lack of proper citations and references made it difficult to trust the information presented in the book. I would advise readers to seek out more reliable sources to learn about Yiddish folklore.
3. Rachel Cohen - 2/5 - "Yiddish superstition and magical rituals" promised to be an insightful exploration of my cultural heritage, but it failed to deliver. The author's interpretation of Yiddish folklore felt exaggerated and sensationalized. The book relied heavily on stereotypes and caricatures, painting a shallow picture of Yiddish culture. I was hoping for a more nuanced and respectful exploration of superstitions, but instead, I was met with a collection of clichés. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an authentic understanding of Yiddish traditions.
4. Joshua Schwartz - 1/5 - "Yiddish superstition and magical rituals" was a disappointment. The book lacked depth and failed to provide any meaningful analysis of the subject matter. The author seemed more interested in making sensationalistic claims and perpetuating stereotypes than in presenting an accurate representation of Yiddish folklore. I found the book to be a wasted opportunity to shed light on a rich and fascinating aspect of Jewish culture. I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a serious exploration of Yiddish superstitions.