The Hebrew words Shema Yisrael, “Hear, O Israel,” mark the opening of “the Shema,” a text cherished and preserved by the Jewish people for over two thousand years. But few realize that the Shema is also connected to magic, specifically magic used for attaining protection, health, and success.

The use of the Shema in protective magic is attested throughout the Jewish world and continues to the present day. This is the first exhibition to explore the uses of the Shema in magic. Included also are ritual objects that contain the text of the Shema and are regarded as having protective qualities. The exhibition thus raises thought-provoking questions about the complex relationship between religion and magic.

To the exhibit page from the Israel Museum

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