While Halloween is certainly NOT a Jewish holiday, our tradition is not lacking in stories and lessons from ghosts, demons, and other spooky creatures. For a little pre-Halloween fun this week, we’ll look at some of the characters and stories that haunt—and help—in our texts.
And, if you want to know all there is to know about demonology and magic in Jewish tradition, check out the Throwing Sheyd podcast.
The words of Tefillat HaDerech (The Traveler’s Prayer) read like the synopsis of an adventure movie. Asking for God’s protection as we set out on a journey, we prepare to face enemies and ambushes, thieves and dangerous animals—not to mention the traffic on the 405.
But, the rabbis of the Talmud imagined something even scarier. In Tractate Berachot, our text teaches that one who walks alone is in danger of attack by demons, two walking together are safer, but should remain on guard, and three walking together need not fear. And, they add—a torch, something to illuminate the path—counts as one companion.
Our ancients imagined, and probably experienced, travel as full of danger, and their most fervent prayer upon setting out was to be returned in peace. Even today, long journeys—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—push us out of our comfort zones, forcing us to confront our own enemies, ambushes, thieves, dangerous animals…and yes, our own demons. But, these texts are a good reminder that nothing is quite as scary when you’ve got people—loved ones, friends, and community—by your side.
— Rabbi Sari Laufer