
the library
The Jewitches library is a list of books and sources for Jewish practitioners.
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These books vary in academic intensity and are in no particular order.
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I do not endorse the entirety of the content of each of the books referenced. I use many of these texts as reference guides; which means I do not analyze every single passage with vigor.
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The library will be updated sporadically, so subscribe to my email list to be notified of new additions!
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Have a suggestion? send it my way!














The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic and Mysticism
Rabbi Geoffrey W. Dennis
This is an encyclopedia and provides great amounts of practical information. It is a fantastic space to begin and find areas of interest for further exploration.
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Grimoires: a History of Magic Books
Owen Davies
This text is great for learning about the history of texts that are frequently referenced online. It also discusses, albeit briefly, how Kabbalah was stolen and integrated into Hermetic Qabalah and Cabala. This is great for anyone who has been interested in Solomonic or Ceremonial Magick.
Above The Zodiac: Astrology in Jewish Thought
Matityahu Glazerson
Astrology has long been integral to Judaism, however, in the rush to rationalize and secularize Judaism in order to stay safe, its roots have been entirely erased. This text is great to learn about the impact of astrology on the Jewish year.
The Essential Kabbalah: The Heart of Jewish Mysticism
Daniel C. Matt
This text is a beginner's introduction to kabbalah in a very clear, concise manner. While this is an introductory text, it is not for everyone as it does require deep introspection and thought.
Jewish Magic and Superstition: a Study in Folk Religion
Joshua Trachtenberg
This text is considered one of the most comprehensive texts on Jewish magic, however, it is an older text and has not been updated. There are many things that have been learned since it was published, however, it is still a great text to read once, as well as to have on hand. Just be sure to cross reference.
The Encyclopedia of Jewish Symbols
Ellen Frankel and Betsy Platkin Teutsch
This text covers symbolism within Judaism in depth. From things like the dove to Shekhinah, this text describes the connections between a person, place, thing, or concept, and it's meaning in Judaism, through history and our texts.
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The Jewish Dream Book: the Key to Opening the Inner Meaning of Your Dreams.
Vanessa L. Ochs with Elizabeth Ochs
Dreams have always been of importance in Judaism. This text does a quick history of dreams, as well as give advice on how to deal with dreams, nightmares, and interpretation through a Jewish lens. It also discusses prayers to be said before bed.
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Practical Kabbalah
Rabbi Laibl Wolf
While Daniel C. Matt's introduction is heavy in theory, Rabbi Wolf approaches it with a far more spiritualistic stance. This book offers meditations and thought practices and is not a "read in a few hours" kind of text.
Divination, Magic, and Healing: the Book of Jewish Folklore
Ronald H. Isaacs
This is a wonderful text discussing the use of magic in Jewish diasporas as well as in our texts. It is a relatively short book, but it is very practical. As it was printed in 1998, there are some things that are a bit behind, but overall it is a great book, if expensive. ​
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Ritual Medical Lore of Sephardic Women: Sweetening the Spirits, Healing the Sick
Isaac Jack Lévy and Rosemary Lévy Zumwalt
This text focuses highly on the ritual practices of Sephardic women, though it does also allude to Ashkenazi practices as well. Topics covered: healing, protection, the ayin hora, birthing superstitions, etc. This is a great text, but not necessarily suitable for a beginner who has a hard time with dense texts.
Sacred Monsters: Mysterious and Mythical Creatures of Scripture, Talmud and Midrash
Natan Slifkin
Learn about the Leviathan, the variations of mermaids and possibility of unicorns from the perspective of the Torah, Talmud, and Midrash. Not a requirement but a wildly fun read.
Recommended for beginners.
Ascending Jacob's Ladder: Jewish Views of Angels, Demons, and Evil Spirits
Ronald H. Isaacs
An interesting perspective on angels, demons, and evil spirits. Also includes discussions of Satan, fallen angels, and the angel of death.
A Gathering of Angels: Angels in Jewish Life and Literaure
Morris B. Margolies
A fascinating overview of angels, angelic hierarchy, Jewish belief systems, and demonology. Includes stories of angels, and specific rabbinic discussion on angels.
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Ashkenazi Herbalism: Rediscovering the Herbal Traditions of Eastern European Jews
Deatra Cohen & Adam Siegel
A fascinating overview of Eastern European usage of herbs, materia medica of a selection of herbs, great for understanding a basic history of the medical uses of herbs.
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