Encyclopedia Of Jewish Folklore And Traditions

This multicultural reference work on Jewish folklore, legends, customs, and other elements of folklife is the first of its kind.

This multicultural reference work on Jewish folklore, legends, customs, and other elements of folklife is the first of its kind. It includes over 250 A-Z original, signed articles that cover major themes, beliefs, traditions, and folkways of Jewish groups around the world, both contemporary and historical. The diverse range of articles covers specific artifacts, rituals, ceremonies, biblical figures, and legends—in addition to broad topics such as humor, folk dance, costumes, and folk narratives. Also included are biographies of significant personalities in the study of Jewish folklore and literature. The encyclopedia provides various country articles that highlight evolving traditions and histories of specific Jewish groups. Extensive bibliographies further enhance the value of each entry.

Covering customs, rituals, legends, words and images in Jewish traditions as they were kept and transmitted in different historical and cultural setting over centuries, this book presents a window into Jewish civilization as well as an original and important work of folklore scholarship. The 750 alphabetically organized entries cover Jewish folk traditions concerning the Bible, Kabbalah, astrology and mysticism; traditions from China to the Americas; folk appreciation of Jewish history; folk proverbs; folk music; traditions about sanctuary in the Holy land; the great scholars who worked to preserve traditions; folk arts; customs and practices; beliefs about afterlife, the Messiah, angles, ghosts and demons; folk medicine; and much more. Featuring illuminating sidebars and illustrations, this historical and multicultural resource on Jewish folklore should prove valuable to students and researchers, as well as general readers.

Jewish esotericism is the oldest and most influential continuous occult tradition in the West. Presenting lore that can spiritually enrich your life, this one-of-a-kind encyclopedia is devoted to the esoteric in Judaism—the miraculous and the mysterious. In this second edition, Rabbi Geoffrey W. Dennis has added over thirty new entries and significantly expanded over one hundred other entries, incorporating more knowledge and passages from primary sources. This comprehensive treasury of Jewish teachings, drawn from sources spanning Jewish scripture, the Talmud, the Midrash, the Kabbalah, and other esoteric branches of Judaism, is exhaustively researched yet easy to use. It includes over one thousand alphabetical entries, from Aaron to Zohar Chadesh, with extensive cross-references to related topics and new illustrations throughout. Drawn from the well of a great spiritual tradition, the secret wisdom within these pages will enlighten and empower you. Praise: "An erudite and lively compendium of Jewish magical beliefs, practices, texts, and individuals...This superb, comprehensive encyclopedia belongs in every serious library."—Richard M. Golden, Director of the Jewish Studies Program, University of North Texas, and editor of The Encyclopedia of Witchcraft: The Western Tradition "Rabbi Dennis has performed a tremendously important service for both the scholar and the novice in composing a work of concise information about aspects of Judaism unbeknownst to most, and intriguing to all."—Rabbi Gershon Winkler, author of Magic of the Ordinary: Recovering the Shamanic in Judaism

This multicultural reference work on Jewish folklore, legends, customs, and other elements of folklife is the first of its kind.

The essays collected in this volume, some of which are presented for the first time in English translation, provide a rich harvest of Jewish customs and traditional beliefs, gathered from all over the world and from ancient to modern times. On Jewish Folklore spans a half-century of scholarly inquiry by the noted anthropologist and biblical scholar Raphael Patai. He essays collected in this volume, some of which are presented for the first time in English translation, provide a rich harvest of Jewish customs and traditional beliefs, gathered from all over the world and from ancient to modern times. Among the subjects Dr. Patai investigated and recorded are the history and oral traditions of the now-vanished Marrano community of Meshhed, Iran; cultural change among the so-called Jewish Indians of Mexico; beliefs and customs in connection with birth, the rainbow, and the color blue; Jewish variants of the widespread custom of earth-eating; and the remarkable parallels between the rituals connected with enthroning a new king as described in the Bible and as practiced among certain African tribes.

Celebrate Jewish culture with this fun collection of facts and stories! Jewish traditions aren't just something they sing about in Fiddler on the Roof. Explore them all with this delightful book of essential Jewish foods, philosophers, pop culture, and more. It's sure to be way more satisfying than the typical encyclopedia—but probably not as exciting as finding the perfect bagel. Discover cultural touchstones—From babka to Mel Brooks, learn fascinating facts about the writers, entertainers, delis, and Yiddish phrases that shine a light on Jewish culture through the ages. Find what fascinates you—Paging through this book is a pleasure, whether you choose to read it cover to cover or use it as a quick reference guide. Give the perfect present—This encyclopedia's lighthearted tone and charming illustrations make it a great gift for Chanukah, housewarmings, and more. Show a little chutzpah and pick up a copy of this amusing and informative Jewish encyclopedia today!