Yiddish and the Supernatural: Demons, Golems, and Dybbuks

YIDDISH 119 Subject & Catalog Number

Description

Delve into the mystical world of Yiddish folklore and its rich tapestry of supernatural tales. This course explores how Jewish communities have used storytelling to grapple with questions of faith, morality, identity, and the unknown. From the protective yet fearsome golems of medieval lore to the tragic and haunting tales of dybbuks, and the cunning demons that populate folk traditions, students will engage with primary Yiddish texts, translated works, and cinematic adaptations to uncover the cultural and historical contexts of these legends. Through a combination of literary analysis, historical inquiry, and creative interpretation, students will examine the enduring power of these stories in Jewish culture and their influence on broader traditions of magical realism and horror. By the end of the course, participants will have a deeper understanding of how Yiddish supernatural tales reflect communal fears, hopes, and resilience, offering a unique lens into the Jewish imagination and its response to a mysterious and often tumultuous world. No prior knowledge of Yiddish is required; all materials will be provided in translation.