Folklore Of The Jews

First published in 2007

This classic work draws together the whole rich field of Jewish Folklore—the popular beliefs, practices, superstitions and traditional wisdom relating to all aspects of life.

Dr. Rappaport has organised the book around four main themes: nature, the heavenly bodies and mythological and cosmological motifs; fauna and flora; human life including birth, marriage, illness and death, omens and portents; and supernatural and natural powers including demons and spirits, witchcraft, charms and spells.

There are chapters on folk medicine, demonology, customs and practices, as well as a selection of Jewish legends and folktales, and a collection of Hebrew and Yiddish proverbs and popular sayings.