Tales of the Shedim and Mazikeen: A Collection of Modern and Ancient Jewish Ghost Stories and Mystical Legends, with excerpts from the Talmud, Mishnah - Paperback

by Aaron Brachfeld (Author)

Jewish werewolves robbing hospitals for blood in India, tiny golems disguised as children's dolls defending their communities from the inquisition, gossiping ghosts discussing the harvest, lingering legacies from Pharonic Egypt, meditative Chinese mazikeen, and protective German shedim: this book explores a rich global tapestry of Jewish folklore that will enchant adults and young readers alike.

Drawing from the Talmud, Mishnah, Kabbalah, and other sacred texts, this collection not only entertains but also provides a deeper understanding of Jewish mystical traditions. Accompanied by thoughtful analysis and scholarly citations, this is both an enjoyable read and a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about Jewish traditions and mysticism.

Includes annotated bibliography with brief but interesting and entertaining biographies of authorities.
Table of Contents:

Introduction: Excerpt from On the Giants, by Philo

The Minyan of Shadows

Excerpts from the Shulchan Arukh, Yoreh De'ah 179

Yakov and the Mountain King

Excerpt from the Berakhot 18b:12

The Shabbat Guest

Excerpt from the Mishneh Torah, Foreign Worship and Customs of the Nations 1 and 2

The Klutzy Mazikeen of Rachmim

Excerpt from Chullin 105b:15-106a:1

Excerpt from Shulchan Arukh, Choshen Mishpat 378:1

The Mazikeen in the Cooking Pot

Excerpt from Rambam on Leviticus 17:7:1

The Monster in Almah's Closet

Excerpt from Berakhot 62a:8-9

Excerpt from the Avodah Zarah, 42b:13-15

Tea for Two

Excerpt from Sforno, on Deuteronomy

Who Cries for Spilled Milk?

Excerpt from Sippurei Maasiyot 3

A Night in the Cemetery

Excerpt from Rambam on Leviticus 17:7:1

Excerpt from Shabbat 31a:11

Blood for Blood

Excerpt from Rabbenu Ephraim's Commentary from R. Natan Slifkin

Heartless

Excerpt from Berakhot 3a:15

Excerpt from Shulchan Arukh, Even HaEzer 17:10

The Lion's Shadow

Excerpt from Pesachim 111b:4

Excerpt from Midrash Tanchuma 3:13

The Tiny Golem and the Angel of Death

Excerpt from Rosh on Sanhedrin 7:8:1

Excerpt from the Zohar, Chayei Sara 15:110

Shadows on the Path of Darkness

Excerpt from Kiddushin 29b

Who Dreams of Living Waters?

Excerpt from Eruvin 18b:10-12

Excerpt from the Zohar, Chayei Sara 15

After Words: Ghosts of the Past and Present

Annotated Bibliography

Table of Authorities, Together with Brief (But Entertaining) Biographies of their Authors

Table of (Some Interesting) Further Reading