Learn about deciphering ancient Jewish Aramaic amulets held in the Library’s Manuscripts and Archives Division.

Registration for this event has sold out. A limited number of standby tickets may be available on the day of the event.

Not many people know that the Library holds a collection of ancient Jewish amulets. Intended to be worn on the body as a defense against evil spirits, amulets offer a unique window into the daily lives, beliefs, and traditions of Jews during late antiquity. Rivka Elitzur-Leiman is an epigraphist and researcher of ancient Jewish magic who has spent time here during her Fordham-NYPL fellowship examining the curious history of these magical objects, from discovery to acquisition.

Elitzur-Leiman discusses her work with a special focus on the well-known astronomer and collector of antiquities Mary Anna Draper, who acquired many of the amulets and whose papers are held at the Library.

To join | Please register for an In-Person Ticket. Doors will open around 1:30 PM. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Rivka Elitzur-Leiman is a Fordham/NYPL fellow. She wrote her PhD thesis at Tel Aviv University on Jewish amulets from Late Antique Palestine, and was previously a postdoctoral affiliate at the Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies at New York University, a Harry Starr fellow at Harvard University, and a fellow at the Neubauer Collegium at the University of Chicago. Rivka is a researcher of ancient Jewish magic and an epigraphist, and her research is focused on material culture, quotidian and social history, and lived religion.

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ACCESSIBILITY

In-Person | You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template. This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

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Courtesy Rivka Elitzur-Leiman