The Folklore Of The Jews

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 organized 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 and customs and practices. He also includes a selection of Jewish legends and folktales, as well as a collection of Hebrew and Yiddish proverbs and popular sayings.