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You’ve probably heard the rumor - maybe you’ve even spread it yourself - Christmas trees are pagan.

This is how it usually goes: when the Christians came to Europe, they wanted to convert pagans to Christianity, so they made a conscious choice to take pagan symbols, like a decorated tree for Yule or Saturnalia or Sol Invictus or Hilaria (it changes on who you ask) and said, “This is Christian now and we will call it the Christmas tree!”

But none of this is true.

In this episode, your host Zohare Jacobi of Jewitches goes through all the holidays the tree is supposedly stolen from - Yule, Saturnalia, Sol Invictus -- and even the Yule Log -- to dig into the origins of this myth and the true origin of the tree.

You can find the citations here.

You can follow our work on Instagram @jewitches as well as most social medias!

It's the New Year which means people are setting goals and resolutions...One common one in my DM's? Prayer. But there's a barrier when people don't feel comfortable praying. Today, we're breaking down the concept of personal prayer and the role of ancestors in it.

In the shadows of history and folklore, a mesmerizing tapestry exists that weaves together Jewish traditions, spine-chilling tales of blood-sucking creatures, and the curious connection to one seemingly ordinary kitchen staple - garlic.

Vampires, of course, are now culturally commonplace, lighting up the silver screen, and gracing the cover of everything from romance novels to horror stories. Despite the constant usage of crucifixes to ward them off, Jews have our own folklore surrounding the creatures that now fall beneath the term vampire. Jews also have a curiously long history with garlic. But what ties all three together? 

They told you that you shouldn't study Kabbalah until you're forty...But I'm here to break this down because the lack of nuance (and general Christian-hegemonic paradigms we carry with us) means that we interpret this in strange ways..

Have a topic you want me to cover? Leave a comment over on our instagram @jewitches

Come visit our shop, Diasporic Magic, in Los Angeles!

Have you ever heard the term "closed practice"? In this episode of Jewitches, Zohare Jacobi explores the origins and rise in popularity of this term and how we define it. Unpack what it means for a practice to be considered "closed," who gets to define it, and why this conversation is so important in today’s world of spiritual exploration.

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Purim is one of my favorite holidays...So let's chat all about it! This is a casual sit down episode with discussions surrounding the spirituality of Purim, our requirements of giving, and much more!

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You've been asking since my first day posting about Jewish magic & witchcraft...This episode is casual -- an ode to conversations around the Shabbat candles and the hearths of old. Learn why I use the term witch, when I use it, and why this might sound a bit different than previous episodes you've heard...

Find the Jewitches podcast:instagram @jewitchesthreads @jewitches

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The more wives, the more witchcraft - and yet, we are constantly scrutinized and demeaned by men within our communities. Jewish women are responsible for building the practices and traditions that we have today; and yet, Jewish women face the brunt of the ire from both within and outside of the community. Why is that?

In the first episode of our new season, Zohare Jacobi of Jewitches tackles this topic through a heart to heart conversation on her own experiences and the experiences of others within her community.

This podcast is the audio version of an infographic created for Instagram, with minor tweaks to formatting. It is meant to serve as a jumping off point for research, as one post can only hold so much. We encourage you to check out the citations. There was so much that simply couldn’t be covered in such a short post; not to mention a breadth of research that feels like it should be must read material for this topic. 

Instagram: @jewitches

Article: https://jewitches.com/blogs/blog/christian-zionism-101

Citations:

Sturm, Tristan. “God’s just Gaza War: Futurity foreclosed through evangelical apocalypse as orthogonal promise of Eretz Israel.” Geografiska Annaler: Series B, Human Geography, vol. 103, no. 4, 2021, pp. 301–319, https://doi.org/10.1080/04353684.2021.1891557. “A Land without a People for a People without a Land” By Diana Muir 

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rapture-the https://cufi.org/about/mission/ 

https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/05/11/the-size-of-the-u-s-jewish-population/ 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/06/30/mainstreaming-christian-zionism-could-warp-foreign-policy/ 

https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/factsheets/factsheet-christian-zionism/ 

https://apnews.com/article/christian-zionists-israel-republican-presidential-candidates-97a5bd9359a9af724fb55cfb154007ef 

https://cufi.org/issue/mike-pence-to-cufi-i-support-israel-because-i-am-a-christian/ 

http://www.meforum.org/1877/a-land-without-a-people-for-a-people-without 

https://fozmuseum.com/blog/bolsonaro-receives-award/ 

https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2021/5/26/biden-palestine-and-the-buttressing-of-christian-zionism 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2019/08/22/trump-sees-all-us-jews-israelis-because-his-christian-zionist-allies-do-too/ 

https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/05/11/u-s-jews-political-views/#:~:text=Overall%2C%20about%20seven%2Din%2D,or%20lean%20toward%20the%20GOP. 

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-doubles-down-calling-jewish-democrats-disloyal-israel-n1044861

Embark on a captivating journey with us on our latest episode, where we dive deep into the enchanting realm where garlic, magic, medicine, and Jewish heritage intertwine. Unveil the hidden layers of significance that garlic holds in both ancient Jewish texts and modern-day practices.

Intrigued by the magical properties attributed to garlic? We uncover how this humble bulb has been regarded as a protective talisman and a potent ward against malevolent forces in Jewish folklore. Through a casual textual analysis of traditional Jewish texts, we explore the symbolism and rituals where garlic's mystical essence has been harnessed to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings.

But the allure of garlic doesn't end with its mystical aspects. We also delve into its profound medicinal value as recognized in ancient Jewish remedies. From the Talmud to Kabbalistic writings, garlic's therapeutic properties have been lauded for centuries. Our exploration takes us through historical accounts of its use as a natural remedy for various ailments, offering insights into the wisdom passed down through generations.

Whether you're a history aficionado, a believer in the mystical, or simply intrigued by the healing power of nature's gifts, this episode of Jewitches is sure to leave you spellbound, enlightened, and inspired to explore the captivating world of garlic within Jewish traditions.

Get ready to dive into the captivating world of the evil eye within Jewish culture in our newest episode. We unpack the secrets, tales, and traditions surrounding this mystical phenomenon with protective practices and beliefs rooted in Jewish folklore. We spill the beans on amulets, rituals, and powerful symbols like the Hamsa and fish! So grab your favorite drink, sit back, and listen and learn!

1 The Power of the Evil Eye and the Good Eye in Midrashic Literature

2 https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/166909/jewish/What-Is-the-Meaning-of-the-Evil-Eye.htm

https://www-jstor-org.ez.lib.jjay.cuny.edu/stable/1260090?seq=4#metadata_info_tab_contents 3

4 Jewish Magic and Superstition: Joshua Trachtenberg

5 Divination, Magic, and Healing: The Book of Jewish Folklore by Rabbi Ronald H. Isaacs

6 Ritual Medical Lore of Sephardic Women

7 Dazzling Blue: Color Symbolism, Kabbalistic Myth, and the Evil Eye in Judaism

In today’s long-awaited episode, we will be debunking common myths and misconceptions about Ostara! We separate fact from fiction and explore the true origins of the holiday, going back to the 725 with the monk Bede. We discuss everything from the significance of eggs and rabbits in Christian mythology to why Easter is definitely not stolen from the Goddess Ishtar. 

To help us with this discussion, we have invited a special guest, A Hearth Witch, who is a German-American folk practitioner and scholar specializing in the study and practice of German Folk practices. You can find their work at their Patreon (https://patreon.com/ahearthwitch), TikTok (tiktok.com/ahearthwitch), Instagram (instagram.com/a.hearth.witch), and YouTube (youtube.com/ahearthwitch).

Citations: 

1. Modern Pagan Festivals: A Study in the Nature of Tradition Author(s): Ronald Hutton Source: Folklore, Vol. 119, No. 3 (December 2008), pp. 251-273 Published by: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. on behalf of Folklore Enterprises, Ltd. Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/40646468
2. Pagan Goddesses In The Early Germanic World: Eostre, Hreda and the Cult of Matrons; Philip A Shaw
3. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/aidankelly/2017/05/naming-ostara-litha-mabon/
4. https://sittingbetweentworivers.wordpress.com/2016/03/15/a-brief-history-of-ostara/#f11
5. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/panmankey/2018/04/why-we-believe-in-untrue-things/
6. https://dbpedia.org/page/Ostara_(magazine)
7. https://ia904701.us.archive.org/0/items/UnknownOstara152ndSeries/Ostara_01.pdf
8. https://www.aap.com.au/factcheck/no-easter-wasnt-named-after-a-mesopotamian-goddess/
9. https://www3.nd.edu/~pantsakl/Archive/dateofeaster.pdf
10. Newall, Venetia. An Egg at Easter: A Folklore Study. Routlege & Paul, 1984. 
11. Bede’s a Reckoning on Time
12. Jacob Grimm, Teutonic Mythology

Wolzogen, Wegweiser zu deutschern Galubern, 16, 29.

ISTOR, page 786:

https://www.jstor.org/stable/43965085?seq=27

Let's explore the traditions and customs of Passover, our first ever episode dedicated to just one Jewish holiday! Join us as we retell the Pesach story as you may have never heard it before, delve into the history, rituals, and modern-day celebrations of this magical holiday....Giant frog and magical matzah amulets included. Make sure to rate, review & subscribe wherever you're listening! Instagram @jewitches & @shopjewitches Tumblr & Twitter @thejewitches Support the Podcast BuyMeACoffee jewitches KoFi jewitches Sources: chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1172862/jewish/The-Feather-the-Spoon-and-the-Candle.htm chabad.org/multimedia/video_cdo/aid/4357661/jewish/The-Kabbalah-of-Pesach.htm The Jewish Holidays: a guide and commentary by Michael Strassfeld chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/1742/jewish/What-Is-Chametz.htm myjewishlearning.com/article/miriams-cup/ myjewishlearning.com/2017/03/29/ruths-cup-a-new-passover-ritual-honoring-jewish-diversity/ chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/870652/jewish/Why-scatter-10-pieces-of-bread.htm myjewishlearning.com/article/an-orange-on-the-seder-plate/ myjewishlearning.com/article/10-passover-customs-from-around-the-world/ /dorimidnight.com/uncategorized/garlic-on-the-seder-plate-haggadah-supplement/ jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-afikoman Jewish Magic and Superstition: A Study in Folk Religion by Joshua Trachtenberg https://www.haggadot.com/haggadah/freedom-seder-earth-0 https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/daughter-of-pharaoh-midrash-and-aggadah https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/zipporah-midrash-and-aggadah Above the Zodiac: Astrology in Jewish Though https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/an-orange-on-the-seder-plate/ https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/10-passover-customs-from-around-the-world/ https://dorimidnight.com/uncategorized/garlic-on-the-seder-plate-haggadah-supplement/ https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-afikoman Jewish Magic and Superstition: A Study in Folk Religion by Joshua Trachtenberg https://www.haggadot.com/haggadah/freedom-seder-earth-0 https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/daughter-of-pharaoh-midrash-and-aggadah https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/zipporah-midrash-and-aggadah Above the Zodiac: Astrology in Jewish Thought

Do you blow out your birthday candles? You may not know that Judaism has special traditions about blowing out candles...Learn all about why!

Make sure to rate, review & subscribe wherever you're listening!

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For those seeking spirituality, crystals have become almost synonymous with mystical wisdom, but almost exclusively through New Age lenses. It is therefore not surprising that so many are shocked by the presence of wisdom surrounding stones in Judaism, but it has existed here since before the time of the Exodus. Make sure to rate, review & subscribe wherever you're listening! Instagram | Tumblr | Shop Instagram Support the Podcast BuyMeACoffee KoFi Sources: https://www.chabad.org/kabbalah/article_cdo/aid/3965005/jewish/Twelve-Precious-Jewels.htm https://www.jhom.com/topics/stones/gems.html Jewish Magic Before the Rise of Kabbalah, Yuval Harari Jewish Magic and Superstition; Joshua Trachtenberg https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_DeRabbi_Eliezer.10.8?lang=en https://www.oxfordchabad.org/templates/blog/post.asp?aid=708481&PostID=107902&p=1#_ftnref6 A Time To Be Born: Customs and Folklore of Jewish Birth by Michele Klein https://yivoencyclopedia.org/article.aspx/dress Nottingham Medieval Studies LIII (2009). Coral, Silk and Bones. Jewish Artisans and Merchants in Barcelona between 1348 and 1391 A Frog Under the Tongue: Jewish Folk Medicine in Eastern Europe, Marek Tuszewicki The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic, and Mysticism, Rabbi Geoffrey W. Dennis https://www.sefaria.org/Rabbeinu_Bahya%2C_Shemot.28.15.4?lang=bi

Did you know that Jews LOVE garlic? Like...Love garlic? So much that there are antisemitic caricatures of Jews holding them? All that and more in this weeks mini-episode!

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https://www.jewitches.com/post/herbs-judaism

Sefaria

A brief history of Jews and Garlic, Jordan D. Rosenblum

A Frog Under the Tongue: Jewish Folk Medicine in Eastern Europe by Mark Tuszewicki

https://aish.com/garlic-and-jews-6-little-known-jewish-facts/

So why does it seem like Jewish holidays keep moving around? How many birthdays do Jews get? How many New Years do Jews have (spoiler it is more than 3!)

All that & more in our newest episode!

Sources:

For qualities, elements, astrology & angels: The Sefer Yetzirah

• Above the Zodiac, Matityahu Glazerson
• https://www.aish.com/jl/hol/hm/48924027.html
• https://www.chabad.org/holidays/purim/article_cdo/aid/2863908/jewish/9-Things-Every-Jew-Should-Know-About-the-Month-of-Adar.htm
• https://www.aish.com/jl/hol/hm/48960721.html
• https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/3749660/jewish/10-Facts-to-Know-About-the-Month-of-Av.htm
• https://www.atthewellproject.com/blog//spiritual-elements-of-av
• https://www.ou.org/holidays/cheshvan/
• https://www.google.com/search?q=month+of+shevat&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS917US917&oq=month+of+shevat&aqs=chrome.0.0l4.1588j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_calendar

Let's learn about the book of Shadows...Where did that name come from? Why do people use it?

Citations:

Doreen Valiente's The Rebirth of Witchcraft(1989)

http://iapsop.com/archive/materials/occult_observer/occult_observer_v1_n3_1949.pdf

Angels: we can't get enough of them. Learn all about angels in Judaism as we discuss all the basics for the last big episode of the year!

• https://etzion.org.il/en/philosophy/great-thinkers/ramban/vayera-angels-and-prophecy
• Henoch, C. J. "THE RELIGIOUS THOUGHT OF NACHMANIDES — FROM HIS EXEGESIS OF THE MITZVOT." Tradition: A Journal of Orthodox Jewish Thought, vol. 11, no. 1, 1970, pp. 64–83. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/23256305. Accessed 10 Aug. 2022.
• The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic, and Mysticism, by Rabbi Geoffrey W. Dennis
• A Gathering of Angels: Angels in Jewish Life and Literature; Morris B. Margolies
• https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/angels/
• https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.3.24?ven=The_Contemporary_Torah,_Jewish_Publication_Society,_2006&lang=bi&with=Commentary&lang2=en
• https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/angels-and-angelology-2
• https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/678751/jewish/Do-Jews-Believe-in-Guardian-Angels.htm
• https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jewish-bedtime-prayers
• Ascending Jacob's Ladder: Jewish Views of Angels, Demons, and Evil Spirits. Rabbi Ronald H. Isaacs
• https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/3825092/jewish/What-Are-Archangels.htm#footnote2a3825092
• https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/692875/jewish/What-Are-Angels.htm
• https://www.betemunah.org/angels.html
• https://www.thetorah.com/article/the-seraphim

Our very first mini-episode! Make sure to rate & subscribe, wherever you listen!

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Lavender for sleep. Rosemary for clarity. Rose for love. Those are the basics, according to the Internet. But there is so much more to herbalism, and the use of herbs, especially in the Jewish tradition. Today we're discussing the use of herbs and plants within Judaism. 

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1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbal_medicine
2. WOOLF, MAURICE. "Foreign Trade of London Jews in the Seventeenth Century." Transactions & Miscellanies (Jewish Historical Society of England), vol. 24, 1970, pp. 38–58. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/29778801. Accessed 14 Jun. 2022.
3. https://oukosher.org/halacha-yomis/many-people-specifically-use-cloves-besamim-spices/
4. https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/610826/jewish/The-Incense-Besamim-and-Havdalah-Candle.htm
5. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/lulav-etrog/
6. https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/609564/jewish/The-Lulav-and-Etrog-The-Four-Kinds.htm
7. https://aish.com/garlic-and-jews-6-little-known-jewish-facts/
8. Ritual Medical Lore of Sephardi Woman: Sweetening the Spirits, Healing the Sick
9. Jewish Love Magic. Ortal-Paz Saar, Magical and Religious Literature of Late Antiquity 6
10. https://reformjudaism.org/spice-trade-jews
11. Medicine in the Talmud: Natural and Supernatural Therapies Between Magic and Science, Jason Sion Mokhtarian
12. Ashkenazi Herbalism: Rediscovering the HErbal Traditions of Eastern European Jews
13. https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4423106/jewish/Why-Ketoret-Incense-in-the-Temple.htm
14. Witches, Midwives & Nurses: A History of Women Healers. Barbara Ehrenrecih & Deirdre English

Dragons, mermaids, vampires...Those are old news! Let's talk about the lesser known Jewish creatures of the Mud Mice, Vegetable Men, and the Tree Geese...All of which sound as fantastical as they are! 

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Sacred Monsters: Mysterious and Mythical Creatures of Scripture, Talmud, and Midrash by Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spontaneous_generation

https://www.sefaria.org/Otzar_Midrashim%2C_The_Aleph_Bet_of_ben_Sira%2C_The_Alphabet_of_ben_Sira%2C_(alternative_version).40?ven=Sefaria_Community_Translation&lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en

https://www.talmudology.com/jeremybrownmdgmailcom/2017/10/14/sanhedrin-91-spontaneous-generation-rbaf8

Wiki for Rashi & Bartenura

https://leimanlibrary.com/texts_of_publications/73.%20R.%20Israel%20Lipshutz%20and%20the%20Mouse%20That%20is%20Half%20Flesh%20and%20Half%20Earth.pdf

Abraham Ofir Shemesh

Title:

Religion vs. Science: The coping of Medieval and modern Rabbis (XIX-XXIst Centuries) with

the Question of the Existence of the Talmudic “Evolutionary Mouse”

Tree of Souls: The Mythology of Judaism, Howard Schwartz

Mythical Creatures in Rabbinic Literature: The Adnei Hasadeh and the Mud-Mice, by Michael Schechter (https://download.yutorah.org/2014/1053/813263.pdf )

https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/2534-barnacle-goose

As long as we have been dreaming, we have been wondering what they could mean. Today we dive into dream divination, interpretation, and dream work with incredible guest, Rabbi Jill Hammer, PHD. Co-founder of the Kohenet Hebrew Priestess Institute and the Director of Spiritual Education at the Academy for Jewish Religion, her most recent books are Undertorah: An Earth-Based Kabbalah of Dreams and Return to the Place: The Magic, Meditation, and Mystery of Sefer Yetzirah. You may also know her from her book with Taya Shere: The Hebrew Priestess: Ancient and New Visions of Jewish Women’s Spiritual Leadership.

Sources:

Undertorah: An Earth-Based Kabbalah of DreamStudies in Jewish Dream Interpretation

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream
2. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/dreams
3. https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/5311-dreams
4. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/dreams-dream-interpretation/
5. Rabbi Geoffrey W. Dennis’ Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic, and Mysticism,
6. HAMORI, ESTHER J. “The Prophet and the Necromancer: Women’s Divination for Kings.” Journal of Biblical Literature, vol. 132, no. 4, 2013, pp. 827–43. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/42912469. Accessed 24 May 2022.
7. Daniel and the “Prophetization” of Dream Divination
8. Sefaria
9. https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.32.14?ven=Torah_Yesharah,_translated_and_edited_by_Chas._Kahane._New_York,_1963&vhe=Miqra_according_to_the_Masorah&lang=en&with=Radak&lang2=en
10. “All the Dreams Follow the Mouth”: Dreamers and Interpreters in Rabbinic Literature Haim Weiss
11. Jewish magic & superstition
12. The Jewish Dream Book: the Key to Opening the Inner Meaning of Your Dreams. Vanessa L. Ochs, with Elizabeth Ochs

FB - Ayin Press; Instagram - @ayinpress; Twitter - @AyinPress

While UnderTorah was gifted to me free of charge, all opinions are my own. 

Arguably the most popular of all Jewish folk creatures, today we're discussing all things Golem. From depictions in media like Supernatural to whether or not you could eat a Golem, we take a dive into its history and modern occurences. 

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Golem: Jewish Magical and Mystical Traditions on the Artificial Anthropoid  by Moshe Idel

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abracadabra

Atlanta Jewish times, written by ALLEN H. LIPIS, and published in 2020.

The Golem Redux: From Prague to Post-Holocaust Fiction By Elizaheth R Rae

kosher.com / clay

The Encylopedia of Jewish myth, magic, & mysticism -- Rabbi Geoffrey W. Dennis

My Jewish learning golem

Jewish Encyclopedia golem entry

https://www.sdjewishworld.com/2012/05/01/may-a-golem-count-towards-a-minyan/

https://www.dndbeyond.com/monsters/flesh-golem

https://supernatural.fandom.com/wiki/Golem#:~:text=A%20Golem%20is%20a%20supernatural,the%20Rabbis%2C%20that%20animated%20them.

https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Golem_(Pok%C3%A9mon)

Tichels (Yiddish) or mitpachat (Hebrew) are Jewish terms for headscarves. You may have grown up with your mother, aunts, grandmothers, cousins, family, etc, wearing them. Or you may not have known there is a history of Jews covering their hair with headscarves. But there is a modern resurgence, and it isn't just amongst the married women of Orthodox communities. Jews of all communities, nationalities, and levels of observance are reclaiming the tichel, so it's time we talk about why. 

The I-10 Book Club

https://anchor.fm/i10bookclub

instagram.com/i10bookclub

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1. Nashim: A Journal of Jewish Women's Studies & Gender Issues , No. 23, The Jewish Woman and Her Body / Consulting Editor: Rachel S. Harris (Spring–Fall 2012), pp. 35-59
2. https://www.heyalma.com/secular-jewish-women-covering-hair/
3. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/hair-coverings-for-married-women/
4. https://forward.com/life/203981/the-complete-history-of-the-sheitel/
5. https://forward.com/articles/203226/taxonomy-of-the-sheitel/

From reading livers (yes) to doing divination with our fingernails during Havdallah, we're all about divination this week, plus, why your grandpa might tell you it's forbidden. 

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• https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/divination/
• https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/940282/jewish/Negative-Commandment-9.htm#footnote4a940282
• FINESINGER, SOL. “THE CUSTOM OF LOOKING AT THE FINGERNAILS AT THE OUTGOING OF THE SABBATH.” Hebrew Union College Annual, 12/13, 1937, pp. 347–365. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/23503650. Accessed 11 Jan. 2021.
• https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/3121698/jewish/On-Not-Predicting-the-Future.htm
• http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/10123-lots
• http://ou.org/judaism-101/resources/significance-astrology-judaism
• http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/3273-bibliomancy
• https://forward.com/culture/455139/making-soul-candles-a-female-led-jewish-ritual-revived/

Come on, who doesn't love candles? This week we start with the important discussions we forgot in last weeks episode...Can dragons light Shabbat candles and are mermaids kosher? Once we finish up that fascinating discussion, we move on to what candles are and a few ways that we can use them in Judaism!

Make sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review.

 Patreon.com/jewitches 

instagram.com/jewitches

twitter.com/thejewitches

jewitches.com

Sources:

https://vashtimedia.com/2020/09/25/the-forgotten-womens-rituals-of-yom-kippur/

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/484177/jewish/Is-any-candle-kosher.htm

https://oukosher.org/halacha-yomis/long-must-shabbos-candles-burn/#:~:text=Ideally%2C%20one%20should%20use%20candles,Mishnah%20Berurah%20263%3A41).

https://esefarad.com/?p=17717

https://images.shulcloud.com/811/uploads/Documents/Source-Sheets/Rebbetzin-Levine-Hands-On-Halachah/03082012-03-05.pdf

https://www.pullingatthreads.com/_files/ugd/dfc9c7_3d1bc35d2ac441dc8affa988bbe344c5.pdf

It's like George and the Dragon meets H2o Just Add Water. We talk all things Jewish Dragons, Mermaids, and more...Including whether or not humans can reproduce with mermaids....according to the Sages of old. Make sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review. Patreon.com/jewitches instagram.com/jewitches twitter.com/thejewitches jewitches.com Sources: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/230658.8?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en https://www.sefaria.org/Kiddushin.29b.13?lang=en&with=all&lang2=en https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah_Avodah_Zarah.3.3?lang=en&with=all&lang2=en Ilia Rodov, “Dragons: A Symbol of Evil in Synagogue Decoration?” Ars Judaica, 1 (2005), 63-84. *5) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mermaid https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiji_mermaid Sacred Monsters: Rabbi Dr. Natan Slifkin

Hello friends! Some very kind listeners let me know that the last episode was extremely quiet---that's what I get for editing with headphones on! I've reuploaded with louder audio, but have kept the original up in case folks don't mind that one. This is the first time recording with two people at once in the same space (as opposed to over zoom, etc), so thank you for all the kind messages!

This week, you get a very special nonsense episode featuring my best friend, Kenzie! We recorded this on Halloween...but it is live now! We talk all things Twilight, our friendship, and generally have a good time!

All proceeds made from ads during this episode will be donated to Move to Higher Ground: "Our mission is to secure the future of the Quileute tribe by moving the at-risk community to the safe zone where their culture and heritage can continue to thrive for generations to come."

You can donate and learn more here: https://mthg.org/

Kenzie's Instagram @mak.jpg

This week, you get a very special nonsense episode featuring my best friend, Kenzie! We recorded this on Halloween...but it is live now! We talk all things Twilight, our friendship, and generally have a good time!

All proceeds made from ads during this episode will be donated to Move to Higher Ground: "Our mission is to secure the future of the Quileute tribe by moving the at-risk community to the safe zone where their culture and heritage can continue to thrive for generations to come."

You can donate and learn more here: https://mthg.org/

Kenzie's Instagram @mak.jpg

Let's talk about the afterlife...Heaven, Hell, Purgatory, Reincarnation, Ressurection that rolls your body through underground tunnels?

This week, let's dive into our last episode in a mini-series all about death in Judaism.

Make sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review.

Patreon.com/jewitches

instagram.com/jewitches

twitter.com/thejewitches

jewitches.com

1. https://www.vbs.org/worship/meet-our-clergy/rabbi-harold-schulweis/sermons/afterlife-what-happens-after-i-die
2. https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/282508/jewish/What-Happens-After-Death.htm
3. The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic, and Mysticism: Rabbi Geoffrey W. Dennis
4. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1452&context=jams
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell
6. https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/282508/jewish/What-Happens-After-Death.htm
7. https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1594422/jewish/Do-Jews-Believe-in-Hell.htm
8. GEHENNA IN THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS: A Paper Submitted to Dr. Andrew Pitts
9. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/gilgul
10. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=xr_f5He2BEUC&oi=fnd&pg=PA11&dq=meaning+of+death+in+judaism&ots=Q6J_3MukFu&sig=H2XrGm0RHhzULvweagVIToNQHIk#v=onepage&q=meaning%20of%20death%20in%20judaism&f=false
11. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/jewish-resurrection-of-the-dead/
12. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/life-after-death/

This week, let's dive into the second episode in a mini-series all about death in Judaism.

Make sure to leave a review & subscribe!

sdjewishworld.com/2012/06/29/the-meaning-of-tachrichim/

rohatynjewishheritage.org/en/culture/death-burial-mourning/

surface.syr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1022&context=rel

jewish-funerals.org/understanding-jewish-practices/jewish-end-of-life-practices/

pdfs.semanticscholar.org/1b6e/40ab406b549482fed057657b409583b0e9c9.pdf

digitalcommons.andrews.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1452&context=jams

www.shiva.com/learning-center/death-and-mourning/placing-a-stone/

jewish-funeral-home.com/why-do-jews-place-stones-or-pebbles-on-a-grave/

poseidon01.ssrn.com/delivery.php?ID=374096013001097122114126080066118069101073010028061025100083028029013087085029010000032030033008111111007024127004081126004127044057037006047081002030085072000076000011049030123104082094093086114070006071113124110007120112006094028120076027112072119&EXT=pdf&INDEX=TRUE

jewish-funerals.org/understanding-jewish-practices/jewish-end-of-life-practices/

jewish-funerals.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/jewish_funeral_rituals_by_ruth_langer.pdf

pdfs.semanticscholar.org/1b6e/40ab406b549482fed057657b409583b0e9c9.pdf

chevraofcalgary.org/traditions-and-rituals/frequently-asked-questions/

shermanschapel.com/preparing-the-body

jfedgmw.org/jewish-funeral-customs-saying-goodbye-to-a-loved-one/

myjewishlearning.com/article/sephardic-customs-during-shiva/

monadaniella.com/blog/sephardic-customs-during-aveilut-mourning-shiva-7-days-of-mourning

chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/2969340/jewish/Why-Are-the-Mirrors-Covered-in-a-House-of-Mourning.htm

jta.org/jewniverse/2016/before-circling-the-torah-there-was-circling-the-dead

daatinstitute.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/AfterlifeinZoharDAAT.pdf

🎵 let's talk about death, baby 🎵

I was once told that researching  Judaism is like the ocean--there is always more, particularly when it comes to death and dying. Death is a universal experience--one of the things that connect all people around the world. It is natural that each and every culture develops its own unique perception and practices in response to death.

This week, let's dive into our first episode in a mini-series all about death in Judaism. 

Make sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review.

Patreon.com/jewitches

instagram.com/jewitches

twitter.com/thejewitches

jewitches.com

1. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9780203010105/meanings-death-rabbinic-judaism-david-kraemer
2. https://www-jstor-org.ez.lib.jjay.cuny.edu/stable/23258756?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents
3. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1452&context=jams
4. The encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic, and Mysticism: Death
5. Divination, Magic, and Healing: The Book of Jewish Folklore
6. Jewish Magic and Superstition: Joshua Trachtenberg
7. Sweetening the Sick and Healing the SpiritsL ritual medical lore of sefardic women
8. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/popular-superstitions/
9. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-angel-of-death/
10. https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/angel-of-death
11. https://forward.com/news/306056/can-an-orthodox-charity-help-save-lives-in-this-mans-church/

This week, we cover the immensely frightening topic of blood libel. In our longest episode yet, we cover the origins of blood libel, famous cases, a short timeline, and how blood libel may appear in the modern-day. 

Trigger warning for the episode as it will contain discussions of murder, violence, assault, cannibalism, infanticide, torture, mass shootings, and ritualistic killings. I will not go into much detail as you don’t want to hear it and I don’t want to have to say it.

Make sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review.

Patreon.com/jewitches

instagram.com/jewitches

twitter.com/thejewitches

jewitches.com

Sources: 

Ehrman, Albert. “THE ORIGINS OF THE RITUAL MURDER ACCUSATION AND BLOOD LIBEL.” <i>Tradition: A Journal of Orthodox Jewish Thought</i>, vol. 15, no. 4, 1976, pp. 83–90. <i>JSTOR</i>, www.jstor.org/stable/23258406.

THE INCIDENT AT INMESTAR: JEWS AND CHRISTIANS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FIFTH CENTURY1 Krystyna Stebnicka (Warsaw University)

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-13855238

Goodman, Martin. “Trajan and the Origins of Roman Hostility to the Jews.” <i>Past &amp; Present</i>, no. 182, 2004, pp. 3–29. <i>JSTOR</i>, www.jstor.org/stable/3600803. Accessed 22 Aug. 2021.

The Power of a Lie (1144–1300)

From Medieval Tales to the Challenge in Trent

https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/7921-hugh-of-lincoln

Lachs, Stephen. “The Legend of Little Hugh.” <i>Western Folklore</i>, vol. 19, no. 1, 1960, pp. 61–62. <i>JSTOR</i>, www.jstor.org/stable/1498017. Accessed 23 Aug. 2021.

“Introduction.” <i>Blood Libel: On the Trail of an Antisemitic Myth</i>, by DA TETER, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts; London, England, 2020, pp. 1–13. <i>JSTOR</i>, www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctvt1sj9x.6. Accessed 23 Aug. 2021.

https://collections.countway.harvard.edu/onview/exhibits/show/sages--scholars--and-healers--/jewish-life/simon-of-trent

Blood accusation and Orthodox liturgy in the Russian Empire before and after the Beilis Case N.Kizenko

https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-damascus-blood-libel

“The Damascus Affair.” <i>Moses Montefiore</i>, by ABIGAIL GREEN, Harvard University Press, 2010, pp. 133–157. <i>JSTOR</i>, www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt13x0jjk.14. Accessed 24 Aug. 2021.

https://web.stevens.edu/golem/llevine/hamodia/massena_community_feature.pdf

QAnon Conspiracy Theory: Examining its    Evolution and Mechanisms of Radicalization

Amanda Garry, Samantha Walther, Rukaya Mohamed, Ayan Mohammed

In this episode, we dive into the entire world of what is witchcraft, what are witches, how can you even be a jewish witch, what Judaism thinks about witchcraft, and why you might not have known about Jewish magic and witchcraft in the first place.

Unlike my other episodes, this is a combination of 3 blog posts available to read on Jewitches.com

make sure to click follow & leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

Follow along on instagram @jewitches and twitter @thejewitches

Have a question or a topic you'd like me to cover? Send me a message or leave a voice message on Anchor!

We've all heard the saying, "We are the daughters of the witches they couldn't burn", but what if we actually looked at who those witches were? In this episode, we explore the impact of antisemitism on the witchcraze and how Jews as a whole suffered through the persecution of so-called witches. 

you can find a breakdown of the episode on jewitches.com under a blog of the same title. 

have an episode you'd like to hear? drop it in the voice message area!

make sure to click follow or subscribe & leave a review!

follow along on instagram @jewitches, twitter @thejewitches, and read the blog jewitches.com

In 2003, a listing appeared on eBay for a box haunted by a dybbuk. With the Hebrew word Shema inscribed on the back, the lister, Kevin Mannis, wove an intricate story of a Jewish Holocaust survivor and a demon trapped in a wine box.

The Internet flew into a rage, fascinated and sickened by the idea of a box so terrible, and dybbuk boxes came to life. This is the first mention of a dybbuk box in history, but these creatures of Jewish folklore have existed for centuries...

Make no mistake, Kevin Mannis created the Dybbuk Box. He probably didn't expect the avalanche-like cult following that would come from it...Neither did the Jewish community, which suddenly had to take up arms to combat the raging misinformation and antisemitism that spread like a wildfire as a result. 

Today, we discuss the true nature of Dybbukim, find out whether or not Post Malone is actually cursed by a dybbuk, and read the true confession of the creator of the worlds (fakest) haunted object. 

follow along on instagram @jewitches, twitter @thejewitches, and read the blog jewitches.com

Welcome to the Jewitches podcast! Make sure to subscribe and submit any requests for episodes ♡