Interactive Lecture: Astrology, Sorcery, and the Supernatural In Jewish Tradition, Text & Superstition

Lecture & Discussion Length:

80 Minutes 

Do you check your horoscopes before making decisions? Do you think that black cats bring misfortune? Did you grow up with your grandmother’s superstitions telling you what you can or can’t do in the house?

Let’s explore the wild and fantastic world of astrology, magical talismans, the weird and paranormal as they express themselves throughout Jewish thought and mysticism! Ranging from our ancient ancestors in Judaea and the esoteric warrior monks of Qumran, to the red strings you can buy from beggars in the streets of Jerusalem and Tzfat - the bizarre and fantastic are culturally present over thousands of years of Jewish civilization.

Together, we’ll peek into the eccentric beliefs of the past, and discuss how superstitions and mythologies are still reflected in our culture, art, and day to day life!