Ancient Jewish Magic: A History

Bohak's work represents the first scholarly work of its kind since the publication of 'Jewish Magic and Superstition' by Joshua Trachtenberg, in the 1930s. That alone would recommend it. But this comprehensive volume brings the story of ancient Jewish magic into the fold of twenty-first century scholarship. The text spans the Second Temple period, as well as Late Antiquity and rabbinic literature, an impressive scope. Simply put, this is now the key go-to text for any scholar of Jewish magic. Highly recommended.

Initially rated it lower, but now that I’ve had much more time to go over it with a fine toothed comb its an excellent book and I think it sheds much light on how magic wasn’t necessarily viewed by the biblical Israelites as we view it today.

At last we are presented with a good,sensible guide of the Jewish Natural world and the Jewish Beyond.In its earliest days Jewish tradition felt and believed all of life is expressed in dual terms.The natural and the non rationalThe now and the yet to be.We owe Gideon Bohakdeep feelings of gratitude for this wonderful collection.Harry Sky

This is the first book I've come across that surveys 'magic' from Second Temple times to the end of the first millenium. It is exhaustively researched and referenced with concise summaries at the end of each chapter. It is accessable to layman and scholar alike. Publication of this book comes at a time of openmindedness among academics and others to the study of magic in Judaism, and other religions as well. It is a good companion to Joshua Trachtenberg's 1938 classic book on medieval Jewish magic and superstition.

I ordered this for my girlfriend for Hanukkah. I cannot wait to give it to her. Arrived earlier than expected and larger than I anticipated.

For those who say that Jews don't believe in magic and have prohibited its practice since ancient times, think again. Bohak not only uses meticulous scholarship to detail Jewish magic from biblical to medieval times, he delves into the very definition of magic [i.e. her religion might be his magic]. The text is never dry or boring, and I found many parts quite entertaining as well as fascinating.

This book is a comprehensive guide to the history of Jewish Magic throughout the ages. It is well written, but like an encyclopedia - there is a lot of informationand the format can be a bit taxing or boring... I highly recommend it.

Very scholarly, not for general readers.