First class: Wednesday, February 10, 2021 • 7:15 PM - 8:30 PM on Zoom
Second class: Wednesday, February 17, 2021 - 7:15 PM - 8:30 PM on Zoom
ASKING FOR WHAT WE WANT, MANIFESTING OUR INTENTIONS/KAVANOT
In this class, we will look at one aspect of Jewish magic and folk tradition which traces back at least 3,000 years: the ongoing interest in and demand for amulets. We will provide an introductory glimpse into ancient and modern amulets, charms, talismans and bowls made and used in Mesopotamia and the region known in ancient times as the Levant, and used today throughout the Middle East, North Africa and the United States.
Amulets are most often thought of as either protective devices to ward off misfortune of any kind, illness, or “the evil eye”, or as vehicles for bringing in various blessings, such as love, an easy birth or success of a venture.
People’s hopes, prayers, blessings or incantations have been invoked through objects drawn, written, carved, inscribed, engraved, sewn or embroidered. We will first examine questions such as: What is an incantation? Why have amulets remained popular for millennia? Did our family believe in amulets or good luck charms? Following our discussion, we will each create a simple amulet—for ourselves or another individual, for our home or for our home/workplace—while we share sacred (virtual) meditative space.
Part 1 – Will be a slide presentation on the background and meaning of Amulets in Jewish Folklore
Part 2 – Participants will have a short time to mediate and focus what they want to ask for and then will have time to create their amulets. Please collect any fabric, ribbon, buttons and glue, or just paper, pens, markers, crayons or anything else you might like to use in making them, depending on whether you'd like to write one or create a more ornate wall hanging.
Please send any questions you might have on this to [email protected]. Thanks !