ABSTRACT

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 an 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.

chapter 1|4 pages

Nature and Sources of Jewish Folklore

chapter 2|4 pages

Characteristics of Jewish Folklore

chapter 3|18 pages

Nature and Creation

chapter 4|12 pages

Fauna and Flora

chapter 5|12 pages

Demonology

chapter 6|17 pages

Magic, Astrology, Augury, Omens and Dreams

chapter 7|23 pages

Man and the Parts of his Body

chapter 8|14 pages

Birth, Marriage and Death

chapter 9|5 pages

Folk-Medicine

chapter 10|8 pages

Customs and Practices

chapter 11|12 pages

Jewish Folktales and their Origin

chapter 12|75 pages

A Collection of Folktales

chapter 13|37 pages

Wonder-Tales, Legends and Moral Tales

chapter 15|5 pages

Proverbs and Maxims