Ancient Jewish Magic: A History
Product ID: 8602315
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Gideon Bohak gives a pioneering account of the broad history of ancient Jewish magic, from the Second Temple to the rabbinic period. It is based both on ancient magicians' own compositions and products in Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek, and on the descriptions and prescriptions of non-magicians, to reconstruct a historical picture that is as balanced and nuanced as possible. The main focus is on the cultural make-up of ancient Jewish magic, and special attention is paid to the processes of cross-cultural contacts and borrowings between Jews and non-Jews, as well as to inner-Jewish creativity. Other major issues explored include the place of magic within Jewish society, contemporary Jewish attitudes to magic, and the identity of its practitioners. Throughout, the book seeks to explain the methodological underpinnings of all sound research in this demanding field, and to highlight areas where further research is likely to prove fruitful. Review: The academic study of Jewish magic emerges from the shadows - Bohak's work represents the first scholarly work of its kind since the publication of 'Jewish Magic and Superstition' by Joshua Trachtenberg, in the 1930s. That alone would recommend it. But this comprehensive volume brings the story of ancient Jewish magic into the fold of twenty-first century scholarship. The text spans the Second Temple period, as well as Late Antiquity and rabbinic literature, an impressive scope. Simply put, this is now the key go-to text for any scholar of Jewish magic. Highly recommended. Review: The Jewish Natural,the Jewish beyond. - At last we are presented with a good,sensible guide of the Jewish Natural world and the Jewish Beyond.In its earliest days Jewish tradition felt and believed all of life is expressed in dual terms.The natural and the non rationalThe now and the yet to be.We owe Gideon Bohakdeep feelings of gratitude for this wonderful collection.Harry Sky
| Best Sellers Rank | #829,926 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #145 in Judaism (Books) #2,194 in Witchcraft Religion & Spirituality #2,767 in Magic Studies (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 29 Reviews |
B**)
The academic study of Jewish magic emerges from the shadows
Bohak's work represents the first scholarly work of its kind since the publication of 'Jewish Magic and Superstition' by Joshua Trachtenberg, in the 1930s. That alone would recommend it. But this comprehensive volume brings the story of ancient Jewish magic into the fold of twenty-first century scholarship. The text spans the Second Temple period, as well as Late Antiquity and rabbinic literature, an impressive scope. Simply put, this is now the key go-to text for any scholar of Jewish magic. Highly recommended.
H**Y
The Jewish Natural,the Jewish beyond.
At last we are presented with a good,sensible guide of the Jewish Natural world and the Jewish Beyond.In its earliest days Jewish tradition felt and believed all of life is expressed in dual terms.The natural and the non rationalThe now and the yet to be.We owe Gideon Bohakdeep feelings of gratitude for this wonderful collection.Harry Sky
C**Y
Good book!
Initially rated it lower, but now that I’ve had much more time to go over it with a fine toothed comb its an excellent book and I think it sheds much light on how magic wasn’t necessarily viewed by the biblical Israelites as we view it today.
C**H
I ordered this for my girlfriend for Hanukkah. I ...
I ordered this for my girlfriend for Hanukkah. I cannot wait to give it to her. Arrived earlier than expected and larger than I anticipated.
L**N
Ancient Jewish Magic by Gideon Bohak
This is the first book I've come across that surveys 'magic' from Second Temple times to the end of the first millenium. It is exhaustively researched and referenced with concise summaries at the end of each chapter. It is accessable to layman and scholar alike. Publication of this book comes at a time of openmindedness among academics and others to the study of magic in Judaism, and other religions as well. It is a good companion to Joshua Trachtenberg's 1938 classic book on medieval Jewish magic and superstition.
M**N
Excellent scholarship in a very readable text
For those who say that Jews don't believe in magic and have prohibited its practice since ancient times, think again. Bohak not only uses meticulous scholarship to detail Jewish magic from biblical to medieval times, he delves into the very definition of magic [i.e. her religion might be his magic]. The text is never dry or boring, and I found many parts quite entertaining as well as fascinating.
B**N
Heavy scholarship.
Very scholarly, not for general readers.
E**I
Comprehensive
This book is a comprehensive guide to the history of Jewish Magic throughout the ages. It is well written, but like an encyclopedia - there is a lot of information and the format can be a bit taxing or boring... I highly recommend it.
J**P
strong series
the best series on the subject. and therefor worth the price Very good books, when you have one you want them all
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