Israel Museum - Hear, O Israel: The Magic of the Shema (Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 02/10/22

Jerusalem, Israel - Feb. 10, 2022  - Late one night working at the Israel Museum, Nancy Benovitz tells how she was given an ancient artifact, an armband with letters repeated, but without spacing between them. At first, it made little sense to her other than as a design. Then she realized certain of the Greek words were repeated "כל" and "אהבה" on the medallion, as the Shema she recites each day, Benovitz realized the treasure in her hand. The amulet led her to be the curator of the Israel Museum exhibit based on the Shema.

The Hebrew words Shema Yisrael, “Hear, O Israel,” mark the opening of the Jewish declaration of faith. The first of three biblical passages comprised in the liturgical composition known as “the Shema,” a text cherished and preserved by the Jewish people for over two thousand years. 

Traditionally, the Shema is the first religious text taught to children, and the last uttered before death. Some associate it primarily with the morning and evening prayers, others with Jewish martyrdom. But not everyone realizes the Shema is also connected to magic, specifically magic used for attaining protection, health, and success.

In ancient times, the Shema was incorporated into Jewish amulets. Similarly, it is recited on many occasions – transitional moments often characterized by anxiety and fear.

The use of the Shema in protective magic is attested throughout the Jewish world as is shown in an old postcard on display and continues to the present day. The Israel Museum, in the Davidson Temporary Exhibition Gallery, Samuel and Saidye Bronfman Archaeology Wing, hosts the first exhibition to explore the uses of the Shema in magic. 

It also addresses the role of tefillin and mezuzot, ritual objects prescribed by halakhah that contain the text of the Shema and are regarded as having protective qualities. 

The exhibit runs from August 20, 2021 - April 23, 2022. With the pandemic, the museum was concerned about being limited in receiving items in Jerusalem, Israel from overseas. This exhibit was based on treasures in its possession, including a handwritten siddur opened to the page of the Shema.