Sefardi Amulets and the Power of Plants

Description

Sefardi Jews, who journeyed into various diasporas since the expulsion of the Jews and Muslims from Spain in 1492, have powerful relationships with plants that they were either able to travel with or that were common enough across different regions to continue to access despite displacement. In this class, we will explore the rich Sefardi folk tradition of crafting amulets for spiritual protection–from Algerian coral necklaces to Turkish rue and almond cakes. We’ll discover the answers to the questions: Why do Jews make amulets, and how do we use them? How have Sefardim protected themselves from the “evil eye,” and what does this teach us about Sefardi cultures? And finally, we’ll learn how some Sefardi traditions and rituals for protection invoke the power of the ocean and the natural power of water. Register here: https://www.lehr.haus/classes/sefardi-amulets-and-the-power-of-plants