This is a page of Hebrew text which was used as an amulet to protect a newborn child. The page, which is worn at the edges and has a section torn off, contains Psalm 121 and the story of Elijah the prophet’s encounter with Lilith. In Jewish folklore Lilith is a demon who threatens women in childbirth and steals their children. At the top of the page is written “Mazel Tov” and indicates that it is an amulet to protect a child. The text is framed by an intricate design. The amulet is thought to be printed in Lvov, Ukraine in the 1840s.
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Lilith – In Jewish folklore Lilith is a demon who, according to some traditions, was Adam’s first wife before he married Eve. In stories about Lilith, she threatens women in childbirth and steals their babies. One common story about Lilith tells of an encounter between the demon and Elijah the prophet which resulted in Lilith not being able to harm babies if the names of three angels were recited. This led to the creation of amulets to protect newborn boys until their brit milah at the age of eight days newborn girls until they are twelve days old. The amulets often included psalms, the story of Lilith, and, in some cases, a red ribbon which was thought to ward off demons. In modern times, Lilith has become a feminist symbol for some, as a woman who refused to be controlled by her husband.
Amulets – Amulets are objects which are worn or displayed and are believed to have protective powers. Jewish amulets often include texts which are thought to ward off danger. Amulets are first mentioned in the Talmud where they were acknowledged to have special powers. While amulets were very popular in many parts of Jewish society, especially in Eastern Europe, they also had detractors. Maimonides was opposed to amulets, as were the maskilim (enlightened Jews) who considered amulets harmful and irrational. A common amulet was a text that was used to protect newborn babies and their mothers from the demon Lilith.
