The 'Jews Are Magic' exhibit at YIVO Institute in New York City delves into the Jewish fascination with occult practices from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries. Highlighting historical artifacts, it reveals how Jews sought solace in mysticism amid urbanization and oppression, connecting past practices with contemporary wellness trends.

• 01The exhibit showcases artifacts like palm-reading manuals and amulets, revealing the historical engagement of Jews with occult practices despite traditional prohibitions.
• 02Notable figures include Naftali Herz Imber, who toured as a clairvoyant before becoming known for writing Israel's national anthem, and Khayem-Mordkhe Shiller-Shkolnik, a popular psychic in prewar Poland.
• 03The exhibit features approximately 5,000 handwritten petitions sent to Rabbi Eliyahu Guttmacher, illustrating Jewish anxieties and the intersection of religion and folk healing.
• 04Eddy Portnoy, YIVO's senior academic advisor, notes that many rabbis participated in occult practices despite official prohibitions.
• 05The exhibit opens on May 26, 2023, at the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, emphasizing the enduring allure of the occult in Jewish culture.

The exhibit invites visitors to reflect on the historical and contemporary significance of Jewish mysticism, potentially influencing cultural understandings and practices.