| Abstrakt: |
"A Frog under the Tongue: Jewish Folk Medicine in Eastern Europe" by Marek Tuszewicki is a comprehensive exploration of Jewish folk medicine in Eastern Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The book delves into the complex mindset of ordinary Jews in the region, examining the significance they attributed to numbers, words, and moments in their daily lives. Tuszewicki draws from a wide range of sources, including traditional healing handbooks, ethical works, amulets, and memoirs, to shed light on the intersection of orality and literacy in Jewish culture. The book also explores the integration of ancient Jewish teachings and magico-medical practices from Christian neighbors in the healing practices of Eastern European Jews. It examines the various layers of healing methods, from home remedies to community healers, and the eventual influence of biomedicine on traditional Jewish society. Additionally, the book delves into the traditional Jewish worldview, which viewed the human body as a microcosm of the cosmos and employed sympathetic magic in remedies. It also explores the spiritual dimensions of well-being, the influence of sin on health, and the perception of disabilities in Jewish culture. The final sections of the book discuss the impact of supernatural forces on the lives of ordinary Jews, including demonic beings, the evil eye, and various supernatural creatures. Tuszewicki's nuanced approach allows the sources to speak for themselves, resulting in a highly authoritative and readable work. [Extracted from the article] |
