Magic & the Supernatural

Numerous folk customs with magical undertones continue to this day.

The most notorious demon of Jewish tradition becomes a feminist hero.

Throughout much of Jewish history, witchcraft has been viewed as a vice that virtually every woman will indulge in.

In Jewish thought and texts, curses exemplify the belief that speech can have tremendous power.

From land to sea, these supernatural creatures are found in the Torah and Tanakh.

Universal and particular.

The Hebrew Bible condemns certain forms of divination and magic, while celebrating others as behaviors suitable for Israelite heroes.

Can we distinguish a mystical idea from a philosophical one--and mystical practice from magic?

In the Middle Ages, Ibn Ezra, Maimonides, and others debated the legitimacy of astrology.

Ancient artifacts reveal Jewish attitudes toward incantations, demons, and the supernatural.

Though the idea of demons raises concerns about divine providence, belief in demons developed among some Jews throughout history.

"Whatever is effective as a remedy is not witchcraft (Shabbat 67a)"--is that really the case?