Buried Secrets: Jewish Magic, Demons, and the Babylonian Incantation Bowls

We'd like to hear from you. Please fill out this survey to tell us your thoughts and feedback about Jewish History Nerds. Here's the link: ⁠⁠https://unpacked.media/nerdsurvey⁠⁠ 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. The conversation explores how these artifacts reflect the everyday concerns of Jews in late antiquity, how they blur the line between halacha and magic, and what they reveal about cultural exchange across ancient religions. 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. 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. Be in touch. We want to hear from you. Write to us at nerds@unpacked.media. This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media. Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out Unpacked on youtube . ------------------- For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out: Soulful Jewish Living Stars of David with Elon Gold Unpacking Israeli History Wondering Jews