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

Life-Cycle > Protection for the newborn

 

Kameʻa.
Greece, 1851.
Manuscript in Hebrew on paper.
MS X893 K514.4
Rare Book and Manuscript Library

In the kabbalistic tradition, the eight days before a brit mila, or ritual circumcision, are considered dangerous for the baby; they are days in which evil spirits lurk around the cradle, attempting to harm the newborn.  David Samuel, a new father in Greece, commissioned this amulet to hang over his son to protect him from spiritual harm.

 

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