Show Notes
Jewish History Nerds is a Signal Awards finalist. Vote for us in Listener's Choice by Thu 15 Oct. You have to sign up/log in to vote. https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2026/individual-episodes/genre/history
Yael and Schwab dig into one of the most fascinating artifacts of Jewish antiquity: the Babylonian incantation bowls. These 5th–6th century earthenware bowls, found primarily in modern-day Iraq, were used by Jews—and their neighbors—as magical amulets to ward off demons, secure love, boost fertility, and protect homes. Whether you're into Jewish magic, rabbinic history, or just want to know how to trap a demon in your cereal bowl, this episode has you covered.
Write to us at [email protected].
Click here to see a picture of a Babylonian Incantation Bowl.
Click here for additional pictures of the bowls and their inscriptions.
Click here for a word list with some of the vocabulary in the episode.
Click here for a summary and sources about the Babylonian Incantation Bowls.
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media.
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For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold
Unpacking Israeli History
Wondering Jews
More from Jewish History Nerds
Jewish History Nerds is now an award-winning podcast! We took home two Signal Awards for history: Gold and Listener’s Choice. Thank you, Nerd Nation for coming out to vote.
We're a finalist for a Signal Award in the history category. So we decided to revisit the episode submitted for consideration. If you enjoy this show, please comment wherever you get your podcasts. We'll be back soon with a brand new season of episodes.
We're a finalist for a Signal Award in the history category. If you enjoy this show, please comment wherever you get your podcasts. We will be back soon with a brand new season.
Voting has closed. Jewish History Nerds is a finalist for a Signal Award in the history category and has the. chance to win a listener's choice award.
Jewish History Nerds is a finalist for a Signal Award in the history category. If you enjoy this show, please comment wherever you get your podcasts. We'll be back soon with a brand new season.