Magic & the Supernatural
What Is A Hamsa?
Although it may derive from Islamic or pagan culture, the hamsa today has become a Jewish and Israeli symbol.
8 Popular Jewish Superstitions
Like all cultures, Jews have developed numerous superstitious practices applicable to a variety of occasions.
Do Jews Believe in Satan?
In Jewish texts, the devil is sometimes an adversary and sometimes an embodiment of evil.
Who Was Shabbetai Zevi?
The kabbalistic false messiah gained a mass following in the 17th century — until he converted to Islam.
Do Jews Believe In Angels?
These supernatural beings appear widely throughout Jewish texts.
Judaism and Astrology
The notion that the planets influence human affairs cuts against the core Jewish belief in free will, but many ancient rabbis believed it anyway.
Monsters, Demons, and Other Mythical Creatures in Jewish Lore
There are more of these fantastic Jewish creatures than you might think.
Harry Houdini
The world's most famous magician, whose real name was Erich Weisz, was the son of a rabbi.
Do Jews Believe in Miracles?
From the Bible to the Talmud to the Hasidic masters, miracles are found everywhere in Jewish tradition — but there is no single way to understand them.
The Amulet: A Jewish Charm
Belief in the power of amulets persisted widely among Jews for many centuries, and still exists in some communities today.