The People in the Books: Hebraica and Judaica Manuscripts from Columbia University Libraries

Communities > Interfaith protections

 

Ḳameʻa:  kolel hashbaʻot li-Yehudim, li-Yishmaʻelim ṿe-ʻarelim.
Manuscript in Hebrew on paper.
Greece, 18th century.
MS X893 K314
Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Amulets with mystical incantations for protection were very common in certain Jewish communities.  This particular amulet, however, is unique because of its designation: "Complete incantations for Jews, for Muslims, and Christians."  Was it meant to be a protection for all three groups?  Is it an amulet protecting the Jews from the Muslims and Christians?  The wording seems unclear, and remains for scholars to decide.

Purchased for Columbia by Salo Baron from David Fraenkel, 1933

 

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