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Judaism
A beautiful illustration from a book printed in 1601 for the Jewish community in Venice contains the first-ever printed documentation of the Lag BaOmer holiday haircut tradition
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How the biblical figure of Naamah evolved into a terrifying demon that rises from the depths of the sea to seduce the men of the world
The six pointed star represents peace and harmony in Buddhism, while alchemists believed it symbolized nature—how did the Star of David acquire its significance in Judaism?
Dracula? He’s nothing compared to the first vampire in history, the one and only Lilith. Among her many “hobbies”: hounding humankind, causing crib death and night emissions in men, and sucking blood.
Diaspora, Judaism
Learn how a traditional Jewish prayer melody inspired everyone – from classical composers to filmmakers to psychedelic rock bands.
The story of the three angels charged with safeguarding newborn babies and their mothers
These methods will help you discover if you are in possession of an ancient book containing mystical powers, or perhaps not
Parents have probably been singing songs to their children since the dawn of history, but “Chad Gadya” – composed specifically to help children stay awake until the very end of the Passover Seder – may be the first song ever printed specially for children
Gabriel, the archangel in charge of Heaven’s heavy lifting
How did the pointed hat of European aristocracy become an anti-Jewish Symbol? And was it the forerunner of the modern skullcap?
The sages of Safed created amulets, the Jews of Italy wrote prayers and other Jews warned of less conventional plagues…
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