Uncovering Judaism’s mystical folk traditions.
ONLINE
MONDAY, 12:00-1:30pm (ET) March 16, 2026 - April 13, 2026
“In Jewish mysticism, magic is never merely superstition; it is an attempt to understand and influence the hidden structure of reality.” - Gershom Scholem (most famous scholar of Jewish mysticism)
Course Description:
For thousands of years, Jews have turned to sacred words, protective rituals, amulets, pilgrimages, and mystical traditions to navigate danger, invite blessing, and make sense of the unseen. This three-part course explores the rich world of Jewish magic—from ancient incantation bowls and biblical prophecy to Sephardic folk practices, Ashkenazi ghost stories, and modern cultural expressions. Together, we’ll trace how curses, cures, angels, demons, names, and holy objects became part of Jewish life across continents and centuries, revealing a vibrant supernatural tradition that continues to enchant.
Class Topics Include:
1. Jewish Magic in Antiquity
The power of names and words • Incantation bowls & protective spells • Angels, possession, prophecy
2. Mediterranean Rituals & Amulets
• Sacred sites & pilgrimages • Amulets for childbirth • Elijah’s chair & everyday protections
3. Spirits & Animated Creatures
• Grave veneration • Golems, dybbuks, and Jewish folklore • Modern retellings & cultural adaptations
Mondays, 12:00-1:30pm (ET)
Dates: Mar. 16, 23; Apr. 13
About the Instructor:
Dr. Jaimie Luria is the Navon Postdoctoral Fellow in Sephardi and Mizrahi Studies at Florida International University, as well as curatorial and programs manager at the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU on Miami Beach. She received her PhD in Sociocultural Anthropology from Cornell University in 2025 and holds an M.A. in Decorative Arts, Design History, and Material Culture Studies from the Bard Graduate Center (2015). Jaimie also serves as coordinator of Jewish heritage at the Institute of Jewish Studies Barcelona where she manages the Institute's Montjuïc Jewish cemetery preservation project.
