Amulets, Talismans, and Magical Jewelry: A Way to the Unseen, Everpresent, Almighty God
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
The second commandment of the Old Testament forbids the making of idols to represent God. However, since human beings have always needed a direct and personal connection to the divine, a way is provided in Exodus when God says, "Make a sanctuary for me and I will come to dwell among you." God goes on to give instructions for building the Ark of the Covenant-the first tribal amulet, not yet personal but still representing the presence of God. From there, amulets, talismans, and magical jewelry evolved to provide a personal connection to God. Koltuv has collected bits of scripture describing amulets and talismans and features pictures of her extensive collection of these protective and magical treasures. It's all here: glass beads for protection against the evil eye; the mezuzah found on door frames; the hamsa, or upraised hand; engraved pendants and tiny boxes containing special prayers; Aron's breastplate; the prayer shawl and teffilin; henna hand and foot painting; and amulets from the Sepher Rezial. As visually fascinating as these objects are, how they came into use is even more so. Koltuv revives an awareness of how many of the objects we wear and carry with us without a second thought are actually magical bridges between heaven and earth.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0892541172
ISBN13:9780892541171
Release Date:August 2005
Publisher:Nicolas-Hays
Length:192 Pages
Weight:1.30 lbs.
Dimensions:0.4" x 8.0" x 9.0"
Customer Reviews
2 ratings
Amulets, Talismans and Magical Jewelry
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
Fascinating ! This book takes a unique perspective on the topic of amulets and talismans , that I have not seen before. Wonderful pictures, well-researched, thought-provoking.
A book for all people
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
Whether you wear a charm, own a rabbits foot or a mystical scholar you will find much in Barbara Koltuv's book on Amulets Talismans and Magical Jewelry that you never did before as I did. At six when I was left in school I ran home first chance I got. My father took me for a blessing to a Hasidic Rabbi in Brighten Beach in Brooklyn, N.Y. in the 1930's. Besides the blessing Rabbi Yechiel Ashkanazi gave me a kamaiah: It was a Heh, fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet representing God's name. My mother sewed it into a little cloth pouch and hung it around my neck with a string. Reading this book brought me to new level of relationship with that Heh seeing how many people in so many lands who were soothed, protected,and made tranquil by amulets. I will use the book mostly as an encyclopedia yet it is seldom that I open the book anywhere and not get captured by the contents of the page. Charles Roth, Leader of Hasidic Workshops
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
