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Hasidic Targeted Advertising
In New York, the Metropolitan Transit Authority is testing digital ads on the sides of buses — and the ever-vigilant ...
From Jewish Mysticism to Magic
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Magic vs. Miracle
The Hebrew Bible condemns certain forms of divination and magic, while celebrating others as behaviors suitable for Israelite heroes.
Jewish Mystical Ideas and Concerns
Can we distinguish a mystical idea from a philosophical one--and mystical practice from magic?
Astrology in Medieval Judaism
In the Middle Ages, Ibn Ezra, Maimonides, and others debated the legitimacy of astrology.
Jewish Names & Numbers
Complex systems of letter and number substitution yield names for God that have been used for magical and supernatural ends.
Anne Frank in Cambodia
Reincarnators aren’t the only people interested in Anne Frank. The Diary of Anne Frank was recently translated in the Khmer, ...
Magic Bowls
Ancient artifacts reveal Jewish attitudes toward incantations, demons, and the supernatural.
Rebbe Nachman Is Alive and Well and Living Inside Us
Today is the yahrzeit of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov — who, on our site, earns the epigraph The Man who ...
What Religion Is
I haven’t yet seen Bill Maher’s new documentary Religulous, but it’s premise is hardly novel. By now, we know the ...
Jewish Healing and Magic
"Whatever is effective as a remedy is not witchcraft (Shabbat 67a)"--is that really the case?
