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Thus says YHWH, the God of that does not have a small community. Supported by miraculous powers, , to all whom I have caused Such communities have a rich cultural Moses sought to convince Pharaoh to free to be carried away captive from heritage that they treasure, with folklore the Hebrew slaves, but only after ten to Babylon. Build you and stories, literature, poetry, and magic plagues culminating in the death of every houses, and dwell in them; plant that have been passed through the gener- Egyptian firstborn were God’s people gardens, and eat the fruit of ations. The Jewish people are a resolute released. They wandered for forty years in them. Take wives for yourselves, people, and they find ways to live and the desert under Moses but then, at Sinai, and father sons and daughters; thrive despite the adversity, comforted Moses received the and take wives for your sons, that they are God’s chosen. and the directly from God. The wan- and give your daughters to men, derings were at an end, and Canaan, now that they may bear sons and conquered by Joshua, became Israel at last. daughters; and multiply you there, and do not be diminished. Story Hook: The craftsman Bezalel Seek the well-being of the city was responsible for the construc- to which I have exiled you, and History of tion of the Ark in which the pray to YHWH on its behalf; stone tablets bearing the Ten for through its well-being will Commandments, Aaron’s rod, you know peace. a People and divine manna were stored. Bezalel was reputed to have such Jeremiah 29:4-7 became the father of the a profound understanding of the Jewish people when he entered into a forces of creation, as represented The Jewish people are exiles from covenant with God that he and his by Hebrew letters, that he could their ancestral lands, living side-by-side descendents would know no other God build any device that God com- with gentiles and non-believers. While but him and in return would receive the manded. A magus discovers ref- they may be the first “people of the book,” land of Canaan, which eventually became erences to the works of Bezalel worshiping the same God as both the Israel. Abraham’s grandson Jacob had and realizes that they may pro- Christians and the Muslims, their theolo- twelve sons, the eleventh being Joseph. vide insight into any number of gy is treated with disdain, and their lives After falling foul of a plot by his jealous mysterious Arts, not least the use are filled with restriction and persecution. brothers, Joseph was sold into slavery in of Hebrew characters to enhance Often excluded from trade guilds, they Egypt. He used his Divine prophecies to enchanted devices, or even the find their means of support limited, which gain favor with the Pharaoh, and in a turn ability to gain favor when work- has given rise to a class of Jewish money- of fate achieved great wealth and status, ing upon such enchantments lenders, a role within society that does lit- eventually forgiving his brothers and within the Dominion. But is the tle to protect them from greedy nobles or bringing them to Egypt. magus alone in this knowledge? clerics bearing grudges. But the descendants of Abraham did Or are other magi looking for While it is true that many Jewish not fare well and soon found their grow- those same secrets? communities face persecution every day, ing numbers looked upon with suspicion including the requirement to wear marks by the Pharaoh. Moses was born against or badges by which they may be identi- the backdrop of genocide, as the Pharaoh fied, individuals may still rise within ordered all newborn Hebrew children be THE FIRST TEMPLE society. In more tolerant Muslim lands, killed. Moses’ mother hid him and the may be advisers, ambassadors, or child was found and raised by an Egyptian The kingdom of Israel was secure first even physicians and surgeons to the princess. He fled his life of plenty when under Saul, then David, and then finally wealthy and powerful. And regardless of he killed an Egyptian guard in defending a Solomon, a king of great wisdom and their location, their scholars and poets Hebrew slave and spent forty years in the magical power, who built the Temple in have a reach far beyond the confines of desert living as a shepherd. It was then Jerusalem. But Israel was split into two, Jewish society. that God appeared to Moses, speaking to Israel to the north and to the south, It is a society that has spread across him through a bush burning with Divine under the rule of Solomon’s son the known world. While Jews may not be fire. God commanded Moses to return to Rehoboam. By 587 BC, both Israel and numerous, there is hardly a city or town Egypt and to free his people. Judah, with its capital in Jerusalem, had

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fallen. It was Nebuchadnezzer who took ological analysis. Over the years of sepa- the Torah, which prohibits metaphorical Jerusalem in 587 BC and it was he who ration from the Jews of the East, the interpretations, and relies upon the sim- destroyed the Temple and forced the Jews Ashkenazim have developed their own plest and most direct interpretation of any into exile in Babylon. Talmudic interpretations, building their law or ruling. This means that their inter- own legal precedents without recourse to pretation of the Torah differs, from impos- the formerly-important scholars of the ing different dietary laws to the refusal of THE SECOND TEMPLE East. Ashkenazi theology is typified by all medical treatment. Despite this, the strengthening the position of women, a Karaites do have their own literary and In 539 BC, in what is termed “The growing folklore based on the Divine, and interpretive tradition and their scholars Restoration”, the Jews were returned to a tendency towards asceticism. are prolific writers. Nevertheless, the Israel by Cyrus the Great of Persia after The void left by the absence of acad- weight given to these works does not his conquest of Babylon. In this period the emic pursuit has resulted in the develop- approach that given to the in Temple was rebuilt, ushering in the age of ment of a distinctly in Rabbinite communities. the Second Temple,but the Jews were not the form of the . Built on divine Many Rabbinite scholars have devot- sovereign in their own land and lived principles and a search for the underlying ed many books to disparaging the Karaite under foreign rulers, including the mechanisms that govern the universe, the tradition. concluded that Romans. It was a rebellion against the Kabbalah finds its strongest adherents in Karaitism is a heretical practice, while the Romans that eventually saw the end of the Provence, but the texts are spreading fast Karaites view Rabbinite Judaism the same Temple. In 66 AD the Jews rose up throughout Jewish society, especially into way. Relations are often antagonistic and against the occupying legions. Their suc- northern Iberia. in Constantinople the Jewish and Karaite cess was short-lived and four years later, quarters are separated by a gateless wall. after a protracted siege, Jerusalem fell. The Karaite community is larger in The age of the Second Temple ended SEPHARDIM Muslim lands, including a particularly with its destruction. This act began the large presence in Jerusalem, where they exile of the Jews and the Temple has While the Ashkenazim remain large- are free to practice their religion without never been rebuilt. ly closed to Christian culture, the Rabbinite interference. It is less common Sephardim embrace the more tolerant to find Karaites in Christian lands as they Muslim society in which they live. Their inevitably fall foul of the rulings of their poetry and academic writing tends to more numerous Rabbinite neighbors. The Thirteenth Century adopt style with works often transliterated, using Arabic characters in With the fall of the Second Temple, place of Hebrew. They have also adopted THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE AND THE EAST the Jews are exiled from their homeland, the secular learning so prevalent across dispersed across Mythic Europe and the Muslim lands, becoming notable philoso- Though tolerated, Jews in the East in what is termed the . This dis- phers, mathematicians, and doctors. Their Byzantine Empire suffer a number of persal has given rise to two broad Jewish willingness to embrace study in the ver- restrictions. They may not build new syn- cultures: the Ashkenazim found within nacular languages has opened the doors to agogues, nor may they read the scriptures Christian lands, predominantly France and academic professions closed to the in Hebrew. They are also prohibited from Germany, and the Sephardim of Muslim Ashkenazim, and many Sephardim serving in any position of government. and Mediterranean lands. While these philosophers enjoy fame and influence But beyond these restrictions, the author- communities are united in a common faith, beyond Sephardic and even Muslim com- ity of their courts is respected, such syna- many cultural differences have arisen. munities. Islamic tolerance also allows gogues as exist enjoy legal protection, Sephardim to take positions in public life, and they are free to follow any craft, becoming notable tutors, physicians, trade, or profession. ASHKENAZIM translators, and even ambassadors. The large Jewish community of However, the Sephardim are experi- Constantinople suffered greatly after the Ashkenazim is the sweeping term for encing another diaspora of their own as city’s fall in 1204. Many were either killed that minority of Jews living across the the Almohad push into Andalusia contin- or driven from the city, their properties majority of Mythic Europe. They are typ- ues to displace Jewish communities, send- burned or stolen. The population is much ified by a reluctance to adopt the trap- ing them north to Christian Iberia and smaller in 1220 and, given the restrictions pings of the Christian culture they live Provence, and south to North Africa, on rebuilding their synagogues, most within, and Jew and Christian view each Egypt, and Sicily. must worship within their homes. other with mutual suspicion and con- The city of Baghdad is home to the tempt. This engenders a degree of social , the notional head of all diaspora isolation, with the Ashkenazim looking THE KARAITES Jews. While the position continues to inward and developing their own culture hold spiritual authority over Jewish com- rather than adopting that of their neigh- Separate from both the Sephardim munities across Europe and the East, its bors. This separation contributes to the and Ashkenazim, the Karaites, meaning actual political influence is limited. In ongoing persecution of the Ashkenazim, “followers of scripture,” are a small sect addition, this region is the home of Jewish where restrictions on property and profes- who observe a form of Jewish theology legal study. While now only rarely sion accompany condemnation by bish- predicated on the Tanakh alone. Founded submit cases to the great Eastern schools ops and exploitation by the nobility. in Persia in the late eighth century, and scholars for consideration, students While Jews elsewhere integrate with Karaites reject the Rabbinical Talmud and from a world away view studying here as their neighbors and pursue secular acade- oral additions to Jewish law. This rejec- having great prestige. mic learning, the Ashkenazim turn to the- tion comes from a strict interpretation of

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PERSECUTION long sewn onto the outer garments unknown. In 1096, the Bishop of Speyer (although this changes in around 1270 to a brought a number of Jews into his castle to As a social minority, Jews often face badge in the shape of two yellow tablets). shelter them from a rabble, even punishing misunderstanding and persecution by But, while successive Popes may have held some of the offenders by having their right their neighbors, but the extent of this per- openly anti-Jewish sentiments, they also hands cut off. But the Jews in neighboring secution varies by both region and the recognize their responsibilities as spiritual Worms found no such protector as political landscape. Muslim lands, includ- leaders to protect the Jews from harm. For Christian did not want to raise hand ing Iberia and the East, impose stringent instance, Innocent III wrote to all the bish- against Christian to protect a Jew. 1190 taxes on outsiders, including Jews, and ops of France clarifying the Lateran legisla- saw a spate of attacks and massacres across Jews in both Muslim and Christian lands tion and stating that Jews must not be England. All but a lucky few of the Jews of are subject to sumptuary laws restricting forced to wear anything that might endan- Norwich were killed in their homes, while what can and cannot be worn. ger them. The same council issued laws the Jews of York fled to the apparent safe- Legislation established by the Fourth that forbid Jews from leaving their homes ty of a local castle. The castle was besieged Lateran Council of 1215 requires all Jews during Holy Week, but these are not by a mob demanding that they convert to wear a distinguishing mark of their faith. intended to oppress Jews, but rather to and be baptized, and the surrounded Jews This is often a badge in the form of a wheel accept that some tensions exist between decided instead to take their own lives. of either red or yellow depending on the Christians and Jews and to limit the oppor- Those who could not bring themselves to country. In England this takes the form of tunity for either side to cause trouble. suicide left the next morning and were a white band two fingers wide and four Physical attacks are far from murdered by the baying crowd. Glossary of Hebrew Terminology aggadot (n.pl.; aggadah, sing.) Jewish mystical beliefs and practices with the bled into a structure of ten known as the folk knowledge (stories, myths, leg- goal of manifesting Divine principles that is central to kabbalistic ends, folk medicine, etc.) that have no on Earth. beliefs and practices. specific religious value; despite this, Karaite (n.sing.) A small Jewish sect that seggulot (n.pl.; seggulah, sing.) Amulets, many aggadot are found in the text of bases its theology on the Tanakh alone, fusing folk knowledge and Divine the Talmud. rejecting the Rabbinical Talmud and oral magic, tht are worn for physical Ashkenazim (n.pl.; Ashkenazi, adj.) Jews interpretations of the Law. and/or spiritual benefits. who settled in Christian lands, mostly (n.pl.; kosher, adj.) The dietary Sephardim (n.pl.; Sephardic, adj.) Jews who France and Germany, following the requirements codified in the Torah; settled in Muslim and Mediterranean diaspora. only food prepared in accordance with lands following the diaspora. Ba’al Ov Necromantic practitioners of these laws is considered kosher. Shabbat The day of rest, in observance summoning magic, a practice strictly Merkavah A school of Jewish mysticism of the sixth day of creation, lasting outlawed by the . dedicated to the study of and commu- from sundown Friday to sundown Ba’al Shem Itinerant practitioners of nion with angels, as represented by Saturday. No work may be performed, Divine magic, specializing in folk the knowledge of their True Names. according to the Halakha. healing and creation of seggulot. miqveh A Communal bathhouse, access Shema A concise statement of Jewish Beth Din The Rabbinic court, comprised of to which allows practicing Jews to belief found in Deuteronomy 6:4. It is educated men in the community who maintain halakhic standards of purity. used talismanically in the wearing of hear cases of violation of halakhic law, Mitzvot (n.pl.; mitzvah, sing.) Acts in tefillin and the posting in a mezuzah at and pass down judgments based on accordance with the Halakha, “lawful the entrance of a home or building. precedents outlined in the scriptures; led deeds;” the Torah dictates 613 Mitzvot shofar A musical instrument made from the by the Rosh Beth Din. for practicing Jews. horn of a kosher animal, usually a ram. beit ha-midrash A school, usually lit., “teacher.” The religious leader synagogue A gathering place for attached to a synagogue, the primary of a Rabbinical Jewish community, or Rabbinical Jews to hear public read- focus of which is Hebrew literacy. of a synagogue’s congregation if in a ings of the Torah. A school of Jewish mysticism community large enough to require Talmud Book of interpretations of the characterized by the divination of more than one; capitalized when used Halakha as delivered in the Torah; also insights and messages from the Torah as a title (e.g., Rabbi Josef). includes Jewish cultural wisdom. through a numerology based on a Rabbinical Judaism (Rabbinite, adj.) The Tanakh The , comprised of numerical value for each letter of the majority Jewish sect, developed after the Torah, the Nevi’im (Prophets), and Hebrew alphabet. the destruction of the Temple in the Ketuvi (Writings). golem A being of unliving clay, brought to Jerusalem and the Jewish diaspora. Its Torah The first five books of the Tanakh, life through direction of Divine forces theology is grounded in the practice of believed to be God’s word as tran- by a kabbalist. They can be formed into interpretation and debate surrounding scribed by Moses atop Mount Sinai: the shape of any living creature, and the Tanakh and the Talmud. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, will take that living form when filled Sefer lit., “book.” Most frequently used Deuteronomy. with the Breath of Life. for the Sefer Torah, or the ceremonial yeshivah (n.sing.; yeshivot, pl.) More- Halakha (n.pl.; Halakh, sing.; halakhic, adj.) scrolls of the Torah venerated by a advanced schools for promising stu- The Laws, as laid down in the Torah. Jewish community or synagogue. dents, where highly learned rabbis Kabbalah (n.sing.; kabbalist, per.n.sing.; Sefirot (n.pl.; Sefirah, sing.) lit., “emana- offer instruction in language, philoso- kabbalistic, adj.) A variety of Jewish tions.” Aspects of Divine power, assem- phy, law, and science.

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While disagreements over theology The philosopher Maimonides codified 13 when he is called to synagogue to per- offend churchmen, and debts hang about the Jewish faith’s tenents into 13 articles: form a public reading from the Torah or the nobility, the low peoples of Mythic interpretation on a passage from the Talmud Europe fear the unknown. The blood libel • God exists and that he by himself is the in a ceremony known as the bar mitzvah. is the unfounded accusation that the Jewish creator of all things. Any man over the age of 13 may lead people practice human sacrifice, drinking • God is unique and that he alone is our the community in prayer, perform read- the blood of their victims in unholy cere- God. ings from the Torah, and even conduct monies. The first known accusation was in • God is incorporeal and has no physical marriage ceremonies. So while a rabbi has England in 1144 and involved a young form. no obligation to undertake these duties, boy, William of Norwich. In that case the • God is eternal and is the first and the last. unlike Christian priests, the semikhah cere- Norwich Jews were saved by the king’s • God is the only one to whom it is prop- mony is a form of ordination that gives sheriff as they were under his protection. er to pray. the rabbi spiritual authority over his com- But the accusations persist and are easily • All the words of the prophets are true. munity. The prospective rabbi is assessed raised and exploited. • The prophecy of Moses was true and by three peers at the conclusion of which There is occasional pressure put upon he was the father of the prophets. he is invested with authority to pro- Jews to convert, but they often find support • The whole of the Torah was given by nounce upon halakhic law. From that from unlikely sources. Jews continue to be God to Moses. moment the rabbi is able to exert person- useful to the wealthy as sources of income • The Torah will not be exchanged, nor al and ceremonial influence and temper and credit, and if a Jew were to convert will another Torah be given by God. Dominion auras as described in Chapter then he would gain legal protection against • God knows all the deeds of man and all Three. There is little hierarchy within the those who might seize his property and their thoughts. rabbis, although each city or town has a annul debts owed to him. This treatment of • God requites those who keep his com- chief rabbi with authority over the others. Jews as financial resources is a prevalent mandments but punishes those who do Public prayers and services are expect- theme in England and France. Philip II of not. ed to be observed by a , or quorum. France started his reign by raiding all the • There will come a messiah. This is typically 10 men of the community. synagogues in his demesne and holding • There will be a resurrection of the dead These quorate groups gather in a syna- Jews to ransom until they collectively paid whenever it pleases God. gogue, yeshivah, or private home at least 15,000 marks. Unsatisfied, he expelled three times each day to conduct prayers them from his kingdom in 1182 and seized While there is no concept of eternal and blessings, particularly the shema their property, only to recall them in 1198, damnation within Jewish theology, prayer taken from Deuteronomy 6:4-9. keen to take advantage of further financial Gehenna is the Jewish understanding of Starting at sundown on Friday and opportunities. In England, the Jews were Hell. Wicked or sinful souls dwell in continuing through to sunset on Saturday, taxed hard to secure the ransom to free Gehenna for a period but once cleansed of Shabbat, or the sabbath, is a holy day of king Richard, but by 1210 they found sins they await the resurrection on the rest commemorating the six days of cre- themselves subject to arrest so that an Day of Judgment. On this day all souls ation. During this time Jews must refrain account could be made of all monies will be awakened by a blast on the shofar from any work within the public domain. loaned by them. These draconian measures and will live forever in contentment in the An eruv is a boundary of wire or rope that are set to continue with regions petitioning world to come. confines an area. Anything on the inside the king to remove his Jews from their of the boundary is considered “private,” lands, a measure that ultimately culminates which allows for essential work during with an edict of expulsion in 1290 remov- Shabbat. The Shabbat is reputed to be ing all Jews from England. Observances one of the six primordial things that pre- dated creation. Rosh ha-Shanah is the Jewish new year Two angels, one good and one evil, and occurs on the first day of Tishrei, the accompany a person home each Friday date when creation began, and is accom- night from the synagogue. When they panied by the sounding of the shofar, or Beliefs and arrive home, if they find a candle lit, the ceremonial horn. On this day, everyone table covered, and beds arranged, the living is judged. It is said that those who good angel says, ‘May the next merit another year of life have their names Practices Shabbat be the same,’ and the evil angel recorded in the Sefer ha-Chayyim, or Book of must respond, ‘Amen!’ Otherwise, if all Names. Those who go unrecorded are des- Jews believe in the one true God and is not in honor of the Shabbat, the evil tined to die during the year. Rosh ha- accept no other. God is the source of all angel says, ‘May the next Shabbat be Shanah is the first of the Yamim Noraim, things and he created the world, the heav- the same,’ and it is the good angel who or days of awe. ens, and all the creatures that dwell with- must respond, ‘Amen!’ Ten days after Rosh ha-Shanah, at the in them. They believe that God has end of the Yamim Noraim, the Day of entered in a sacred covenant with the The Talmud Atonement, , is celebrated. It is Jewish people, which elevates them above the most holy day in the Jewish calendar the gentiles and other non-believers. On the eighth day after birth, follow- and sees the closing of the Sefer ha-Chayyim They view the loss of Israel and their sub- ing a naming ceremony, male children and the day on which fates are sealed. The sequent exile as a punishment for sins undergo the , or circumcision, day before Yom Kippur, some conduct the committed centuries ago, and that with where the foreskin of the penis is removed ritual of kapparah in which a chicken is observance and repentance they will one in a ritual conducted by the mohal. A waved around the head three times, during day return to the . Jewish boy becomes a man from the age of which the person’s sins are transferred to

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tions is the public reading of the Book of doing, how to make amends, and Holy Influence Esther, which recounts the rescue of the where to find the angel so that Jewish people from a murderous plot. As her name may be recorded. Those with spiritual authority over such, it is a celebration of cultural and his- a people or area may exert Holy torical importance rather than religious. Influence, which includes the tempering The readings are noisy and boisterous of an aura. Rabbis have spiritual author- affairs, with a lot of shouting, stamping, ity over the auras centered upon and the and even the banging of stones together, Holy Places community served by their synagogue designed to erase the name of Israel’s ene- or yeshivah, while Chief Rabbis may mies written upon them. While the Jewish people today are extend their influence across their city. Pesach, or passover, lasts for seven spread across Europe and the East, their The English court recognizes the posi- days beginning with the 15th day of Nisan homeland is Israel, and it is considered a tion of Presbyter Judaeorum, a chief and commemorates the escape of the holy and sacred place. Philosophers such rabbi with authority over all the Jews of Jewish people from Egypt. During this as considered the land of England, a role held in 1220 by Josce of week no leavened bread is eaten, which Israel to be the only place where true London. The Exilarch, in Baghdad, may recalls the haste with the Jews fled Egypt Divine prophecy can be heard. These extend his influence to any community upon their release from slavery. The main philosophers understand the world as or city that he visits, or to which he celebratory meal, the seder, is accompanied consisting of concentric areas of Divinity sends an authorized deputy. by a reading of Exodus telling the story of Moses, the ten plagues of Egypt, and the flight of the Jews. The the bird. The bird is then slaughtered and Shavu’ot falls seven weeks from the given to the poor. The kapparah is not start of Pesach and celebrates the revela- The Hebrew calendar is based greeted with Rabbinical support and is tion on Mount Sinai. This holiday is upon the cycles of the moon, with seen by many as a pagan ritual. Despite characterized by homes and synagogues numerous corrections to accommodate this it is still popular in some communities, being decorated with plants and garlands the solar year, operating within a 19- especially with kabbalists. of greenery. year cycle. The first month is Nisan, The harvest festival of is cele- Tisha B’Av commemorates the but the year is increased during Tishri brated five days after Yom Kippur. Once destruction of both the First and Second at the festival of Rosh ha-Shanah, the the harvests have been gathered, prayers Temple, both events having occurred on Jewish new year. The year is judged are said for the continued fertility of the the ninth day of the month of Av. It is a from the calculated moment of cre- earth and to bring rain. This festival rep- time of fasting, and the Book of ation, arrived at by adding the ages of resents the forty years that the people of Lamentations is read in the synagogue key figures in the bible. The Julian 1st Israel spent in the wilderness. To com- during evening services. Kinnot, or dirges of April in 1220 equates to the 26th of memorate this, families build a sukkah, a in memory of the loss of the Temple, are Nisan in the Jewish year 4980. The temporary shelter much like a tent, in read or chanted through the day. The Jewish week starts on Sunday and runs which the family eats or sleeps for the observance is marked by considerable aus- through to Saturday. seven days of this holiday. terity. In addition to strict fasting, no Coming at the end of Sukkot, leather shoes are to be worn, and washing MONTH LENGTH JULIAN EQUIV. Atzeret celebrates both the beginning and is forbidden, as is the application of oils to IN 1220 the end of the annual cycle of public Torah the body, and even marital relations. Nisan 30 days March–April readings. With the main celebrations tak- Shabbat, holy days, and fast days all Iyyar 29 days April–May ing place in the synagogue, the Torah begin with morning prayers and readings Sivan 30 days May–June scrolls are removed from the ark and car- from the Torah, led by any adult male of Tamuz 29 days June–July ried around the synagogue seven times the community. In theory this means any Av 30 days July–Aug accompanied by singing and dancing. male age 13 or over, though many rabbis Elul 29 days Aug–Sept This happens twice, once in the evening consider it disrespectful to allow someone Tishri 30 days Sept–Oct and once again the following morning. so young to lead the congregation. Cheshvan 29/30 days Oct–Nov Once the Torah scrolls have completed Kislev 29/30 days Nov–Dec their circuits, the last section of Story Hook: As night falls to her- Tevet 29 days Dec–Jan Deuteronomy and the first section of ald the first day of Tishri, all fire Sh’vat 30 days Jan–Feb Genesis are read aloud, completing and within the covenant is extin- Adar 29/30 days Feb–March restarting the readings. guished, and every animal falls Adar II 29 days March–April The festival of Hanukkah is celebrated silent. A Divine scribe, powerful, towards the end of the month of Kislev massive, and brooding, stalks the The month of Adar II is added and lasts for eight days. It commemorates halls, writing the names of those during the 3rd, 6th, 8th, 11th, 14th, the miracle of a day’s supply of oil that present in his great book. But 17th, and 19th years within the 19- burned in the eternal flame for the eight when he reaches one particular year cycle. Adar II will next occur in days it took to rededicate the Temple, maga, the angel stops and puts 1221, 1224, 1226, then in 1229, 1232, which had been defiled by the Syrians. up his quill without recording 1235, and 1237. Those months of vari- Falling on the 14th day of Adar, Purim her name. And then the angel able length are changed year to year is a time of great public celebration where leaves. And the fires resume and both to ensure that Nisan starts at a gifts are exchanged, charity is given to the animals take up their calls once consistent time and that Holy days are poor, and a special meal is prepared and more. The maga has ten days to correctly placed. eaten. The centerpiece of these celebra- discover what the angel was

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increasing towards the center, which Muslim countries and in parts of Christian means that Jerusalem is yet more Divine the ark is less important and the Holy Books that Israel, and the site of the Temple yet Sefer Torah is kept in a smaller case. and Artifacts more Divine still. As discussed in The scrolls themselves are wound Chapter Five, the Western Wall is all around two richly decorated wooden that remains of the Temple, and has a rollers, with wealthy communities con- Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Divine aura of 10. tributing gold and silver for this purpose. Lord is one. You shall love the Lord The synagogue is where the commu- Some have small bells that hang from your God with all your heart and with nity gathers to meet and offer prayer, but them, while others are capped by a all your soul. These words that I com- a dedicated building is rare in smaller crown. A hanging lamp is kept perpetual- mand you today shall be on your communities, and in these cases a private ly burning in front of the ark in reference heart. You shall teach them diligently residence is used instead. By convention it to the Eternal Flame that once burned in to your children, and shall talk of them is more important for the community to the Temple. when you sit in your house, and when build a miqveh, or ritual bathhouse, and a The bimah, a large reading desk from you walk by the way, and when you beit ha-midrash, or house of study, but which the scrolls are read on Shabbat and lie down, and when you rise. You shall where a synagogue is built, it is often the other holy days, is another essential part bind them as a sign on your arm, and tallest building within the community. of the synagogue. This is often separate they shall be as frontlets between your On the synagogue wall that faces from the lectern where prayers are led. eyes. You shall write them on the door Jerusalem is an ark. Usually a niche built Seating can be anything from individual posts of your house and on your gates. within the wall and covered with elabo- chairs, to rows of quickly erected bench- rate wooden doors, it is used to house the es, to elaborate pews. In Ashkenazi syna- Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Sefer Torah and other biblical books and gogues women sit in their own gallery scrolls. The ark is often draped with rich- separate from the men, a practice not The Torah is the collected first five ly decorate embroidered curtains. In observed in Sephardic communities. books of Hebrew scripture, containing Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, and forms part of the Tanakh, along with Prophets and Writings. Given to Moses at Sinai, the Torah is the transcribed spoken word of God and the 613 Mitzvot that guide Jewish life are derived from it alone. The Sefer Torah, a specially prepared Torah in scroll form, is a venerated object housed within each synagogue. And while the text of the earthly Torah was given to Moses, the True Torah is one of the six pri- mordial things that predate creation itself and resides in heaven as a thing of black fire written upon white fire. The Talmud interprets the laws pro- vided by the Torah, providing guidance on how each law should be applied and appropriate punishment for transgres- sions. It also contains cultural content, folklore, poetry, medical remedies etc. vital to defining and maintaining the Jewish identity. Tefillin, also known as phylacteries, are two small leather boxes containing the transcribed Shema prayer (Deuteronomy 6:4) and the biblical verses Deuteronomy 11:13-21, and Exodus 13:1-10 and 11-16. They are worn strapped to the brow and the left arm during morning prayer as a sign of God’s enduring covenant with Israel. They are also associated with pro- tective amulets and it is common for folk remedies to take the form of phylacteries. Ordinarily, tefillin have no innate power, but those once owned by one of the Tzadikim Nistarim (see later) act as a relic with one Faith Point. Mezuzot are like phylacteries that are bound to door posts, including those of the synagogue. There is a little more freedom in

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the form that mezuzot take, from small sim- sounded both at the new year, Rosh ha- branched menorah, or chanukkiyah, is used ple boxes, to ornate scroll cases. But the Shanah, and at the conclusion of Yom during Hanukkah and references the eight contents are the same as the tefillin and they Kippur. When it is sounded on a holy days during which the oil miraculously act as a reminder to all who enter the house day or as part of a Jewish exorcism rite, fueled the eternal flame. The menorah is that they are entering a sacred place, in the shofar is treated as a relic with one said to resemble the burning bush from memory of the Temple. Jews of the Karaite Faith Point. While silent, or sounded on which Moses gained audience with God, tradition use neither tefillin nor mezuzot. days other than holy days, the shofar has the seven lamps representing the seven The shofar is a musical instrument no power. days of creation, the arrangement of the formed from the horn of any kosher ani- The menorah is a candelabrum with lamps mirroring the six fiery wings of the mal, usually a ram. It gains its signifi- either six or eight branches that originate serafim, and as a stylized tree, bearing the cance from having been sounded at the from a central stem. The six-branched lower seven Sefirot. moment when God gave the Torah to menorah references the golden lamp as The Star of David is a six-pointed the people at Mount Sinai. It is now present in the Second Temple. The eight- star formed by the intersection of two A Jewish Library prizes education and teachings to everyday life. The Ketuvim is the final section of the many members of the community are The Talmud also contains folklore collected Tanakh, or Hebrew Bible. able to read and write Hebrew. The fol- and culturally important material: stories, lowing texts are a mixture of religious, medicinal remedies, myths, and legends. philosophical, and mystical works. Collectively, these non-religious tracts THE MISHNEH TORAH are termed aggadah. The Talmud is originally an Aramaic Summa Rabbinic Law (Level 4, THE TORAH work but is most commonly translated Quality 9) into Hebrew. Author: Rabbi Moses Ben Maimon Summa Theology: Judaism (Level 6, (Maimonides) Quality 8), Summa Judaic Lore (Level 4, Availability: This work is spreading Quality 8), Summa Rabbinic Law (Level THE NEVI’IM to synagogues and yeshivot across 4, Quality 8) Mythic Europe, originating in Iberia. Author: Dictated by God to Moses Tractatus Theology: Judaism Description: This is the foremost on Mount Sinai. (Quality 8), Tractatus Dream authority on Rabbinic Law, providing the Availability: Any synagogue or Interpretation (Quality 8) most complete interpretation on the laws yeshivah. Author: Compiled from various by which the Jewish people should gov- Description: The Torah is the first sources from the 6th through 2nd cen- ern all aspects of life. These laws are section of the collected Tanakh, or Hebrew turies BC. divided into the mishpatim, or judg- Bible. It contains Genesis, the account of Availability: Any synagogue or ments, and the huqqim, or statutes, creation; Exodus, the escape of the Jewish yeshivah. which includes instructions and provi- people; and Leviticus, Numbers, and Description: The Nevi’im, or Prophets, sions for ritual purity. Deuteronomy, which tell more of the Jews is divided into two sections covering the in the wilderness, and of the law. early prophets and the later prophets. Special Rule: The Sefer Torah is the The first section describes the history of GUIDE TO THE PERPLEXED complete work in its original scroll form. the Jewish people from the time of The sefer, created according to ritual and Joshua to the Babylonian Exile. The sec- Summa Philosophiae (Level 4, custom, is treated as a relic with one ond section is devoted to prophecies, Quality 9), Summa Theology: Judaism Faith Point. some of which may have come to pass (Level 6, Quality 9) and others that might yet. Author: Rabbi Moses Ben Maimon The Nevi’im is the second section of (Maimonides) THE TALMUD the collected Tanakh, or Hebrew Bible. Availability: The private libraries of many Rabbis and philosophers, particu- Summa Judaic Lore (Level 6, larly around the Mediterranean. Quality 8), Summa Theology: Judaism THE KETUVIM Description: This complex work (Level 6, Quality 8), Summa Rabbinic presents a philosophical view of the Law (Level 6, Quality 8), Tractatus Tractatus Dream Interpretation Jewish faith, examining the mundane Canaan Lore (Quality 5) (Quality 8), Tractatus Judaic Lore world through the tenets of faith. Author: Compiled from various (Quality 8), Tractatus Rabbinic Law Maimonides purposefully obscured the sources from the 2nd through 6th cen- (Quality 8) text, inserting ambiguities and contradic- turies, but originating with the oral Author: Compiled from various tions that distract the uneducated stu- given to Moses on Mount Sinai. sources by the 2nd century AD. dent. But these ambiguities find use when Availability: Any synagogue or Availability: Any synagogue or applied to the study of Gematria, and yeshivah. yeshivah. many truths are revealed to those who Description: This work consists of Description: The Ketuvim, or Writings, seek them. 63 “tractates” containing 613 Mitzvot is a disparate work of wisdom, poetry, Special Rule: Students with scores of and is the codification of Rabbinic Law, prophecies, and history and as such is 3 or more in Gematria may study this book applying the Biblical commandments and treated as a collection of tractatus. as a Tractatus of Quality 8 on Gematria.

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equilateral triangles. Like the menorah, six days of creation followed by the day it has its origins in ancient Jewish lore of rest. The star also represents the Culture and has additional kabbalistic resonance. seven facets of space identified in the The observances and trappings of It is said to resemble the shield that : up, down, east, west, north, faith are important from the moment one David took into battle, and as such is a and south, and finally the center. The wakes to the moment one sleeps. This direct symbol for God. Furthermore, the star is most commonly used within kab- faith is a part of the Jewish heritage, bind- six points and the center equate to the balistic circles. ing together a people divided by vast dis- A Jewish Library (cont’d)

SEFER YETZIRAH angel Raziel. ences to the practice of Craft Amulets, Availability: The private libraries of but it does not provide enough insight to Summa Kabbalah (Level 4, Quality 6) those who practice Merkavah. work from. This suggests that the current Author: The Biblical Abraham Description: This Book of Amulets work is incomplete. Availability: The private libraries of concerns angels, angelic powers, and the those who practice Kabbalah. astral forces that they control. But there Description: This Book of Creation is a is also a list of incantations and enchant- THE HECHALOT TEXTS key text for those studying Kabbalah and ments of value to those who craft amulets is the principle text of the Ma’asei-Bereshit and charms. The book exhorts the reader Tractatus Merkavah or Summoning school of philosophy, which seeks knowl- to perform all acts of magic in a state of (Quality 8) edge of the foundations of all creation. It the utmost ritual purity, and describes Author: Various mystics from the is the source for the ten Sefirot and the 22 the correct preparation and treatment of age of the First Temple onwards. pathways that connect them, and it shows ritual implements, such as knives, lamps, Availability: Translations of these how the world is created from the 22 incense, etc, and this provides insight works can be found in mystical libraries characters of the Hebrew alphabet. It also into the Ceremony Ability. across Europe and the East. draws parallels between the Sefirot and Complete copies of this book are Description: The Hechalot Texts are a the human form, representing it as a rarely found, sections having been collection of scrolls and books that togeth- divine microcosm, which in turn reveals copied and obtained separately. The sec- er detail the art of Ma’aseh Merkavah, the the mystery of the golem. tions on Ceremony and Dominion Lore ancient mystical tradition from which both There have been innumerable com- are often found translated from the orig- Merkavah and the Goetic art of mentaries written on the Sefer Yetzirah, inal Hebrew. Summoning derive. There is no definitive mostly in Hebrew but increasingly in Special Rule: Hermetic magi who list of works that make up the Hechalot Texts Arabic as the practice of Kabbalah grows read this book for its knowledge on Craft and more may yet be discovered in forgot- in Muslim-ruled Iberia. Amulets gain access to the shape and ten and abandoned libraries across Mythic Special Rule: Only once a kabbalist material bonuses normally open to prac- Europe and the East. has studied the Sefer Yetzirah can he under- titioners of this Jewish mystical practice Special Rule: Studying the Hechalot take to create a golem. (see later). Studying from an incomplete Texts is a dangerous pursuit. Due to the volume imposes a penalty of –1 to the frequent allusions and references to reader’s Study Total. and demonic powers, any who SEFER HA- study the Hechalot Texts alone gain a “Curious about the Infernal” Personality Tractatus Kabbalah (Quality 8), SEFER RAZIEL trait at +1. Tractatus Ceremony (Quality 5) Author: Despite its antiquated style, Summa Gematria (Level 4, Quality this is the work of Provencal kabbalists 8), Summa Merkavah (Level 4, Quality SWORD OF MOSES practicing post-600. 8), Summa Intervention (Level 4, Quality Availability: The private libraries of 8), Summa Transcendence (Level 4, Summa Infernal Lore (Level 5, those who practice Kabbalah. Quality 8) Quality 8) Description: This Book of Illumination Author: Revealed in its original form Author: Anonymous Jewish magicians. expands upon the Sefer Yetzirah, taking the to Adam by the angel Raziel. Availability: The private libraries of abstract kabbalistic principles and codi- Availability: The private libraries of Ba’al Shem, Kabbalists, and the Ba’al Ov. fying them into practical knowledge. It is those who practice Gematria and Description: A book of theurgistic essentially the first true kabbalistic work Merkavah. magic that purports to list the names of outside the Sefer Yetzirah. Description: This potent book of angels, demons, and other spirits. This is an sorcery is principally concerned with unusual work in that it eschews the expect- astral forces, originating from the zodiac ed ritual purity for witchcraft-like practices. SEFER HA-RAZIM and the enumerated names of God. The Special Rule: Studying the Sword of Sefer Raziel in its current form is actually a Moses for a season can be treated as a Tractatus Craft Amulets (Quality 8), collection of the tractates revealed to source of insight for researching and Tractatus Merkavah (Quality 8), Adam by the angel Raziel and has been integrating the extinct magical form of Tractatus Ceremony (Quality 5), compiled in Provencal over the last two Canaanite Necromancy (Ancient Magic, Tractatus Dominion Lore (Quality 12) hundred years. Those reading this work page 30). Author: Revealed to Noah by the may notice that there are abundant refer-

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tances through a shared identity. But on a There are a number of communal more local level, the sense of community buildings, chief of which is the miqveh, Sefer ha-Masa’ot keeps the Jewish people strong, some- or ritual bath-house, used for regular and times against great adversity. ceremonial ablutions, including the Summa Mediterranean Lore In most Muslim cities Jews live side- cleaning of glass and metal utensils. (Level 4, Quality 8) by-side with their Muslim neighbors and Larger communities have a dedicated Benjamin of Tudela wrote the Sefer are free to live and worship as they wish. synagogue building, and some even main- ha-Masa’ot (The Book of Travels) to chron- Where Jewish communities live in a sepa- tain communal libraries. Hospitality is a icle his journeys from Navarre to rate quarter, it is most often through a prized virtue, and inns and hospices wel- Jerusalem. Anyone studying this book desire to be surrounded by their own cul- come travelers, usually charging accord- may gain the specialty “Jewish commu- ture rather than through enforced segre- ing to the wealth of the traveler. Indeed, nities” in this Area Lore, which helps to gation, and such quarters never have a it is one of the duties of the shamash to locate Jewish communities across the physical boundary. These same freedoms find travelers and ensure that they have Mediterranean and the Levant. extend to the kingdom of Sicily, which suitable food and lodging, either with an Written in Hebrew, copies can be has always been a place where multiple inn or otherwise with local families. found in larger Jewish communities. cultures are accepted. Hospitals for the care of the sick are also Unlike the Mediterranean, Jews liv- not unknown, especially in the southern ing in the Christian lands of central and lands where the influence of Islamic med- within classes of around ten students in northern Europe are often subject to the icine is strongest. the beit ha-midrash, a school that forms part fickle wishes of kings and landowners. Entertainment can always be found in of the synagogue. They are taught for six They are less likely to integrate with their the Jewish quarter; music is treasured and long days each week, with even parts of Christian neighbors, and while outright dances are frequently held. Games of skill the Sabbath given over to examination of hostility is unusual, they suffer a greater and chance are also common, with little the week’s learning. Lessons are chanted degree of distrust and suspicion than their stigma attached to moderate gambling. by the tutor and repeated by the class, the southern counterparts. melody aiding memorization. By the age Communities in Muslim lands tend of 13, study moves on from the Torah to to be larger than those elsewhere. EDUCATION AND THE YESHIVAH encompass the Talmud, with students Benjamin of Tudela, a noted traveler who often learning Aramaic, the language of lived in the 12th century, undertook a From education springs the under- the Talmud, at the same time. journey from the Kingdom of Navarre to standing of both heritage and law, and for The privileged few are sent to study Jerusalem. He planned his route such this reason there is an expectation that the Talmud further at one of the yeshivot, that he could visit the towns and cities of every male child will be taught to read or schools, under learned Rabbis. Lombardy, the Papal States, and the Hebrew, and will study the Torah. Formal Typically, only the larger cities have their Kingdom of Sicily, where he recorded education starts young and takes place own yeshivah, which means that students the size of the Jewish communities that he found. The cities of Genoa and Pisa had communities no larger than a few Noted Philosophers families, while the cities of Rome, Capua, and Naples had Jewish populations Isaac Ben Solomon Israeli (850 - logical and philosophical ideas of his smaller than five hundred individuals. 932) was a Tunisian physician in the contemporaries. Judah Halevi’s final Further south, he found fifteen hundred employ of al-Mahdi, the founder of the journey was in fulfillment of the com- Jews living in the city of Palermo. He Fatimid dynasty. Influenced by the mandment to live in the . He contrasts Palermo with the cities of works of Plato, Isaac was a monist, reached the outskirts of Jerusalem in Provence, which more closely resembled believing that all of creation was simply 1140, but was murdered, trampled to Genoa and Pisa in having very small emanations from a single unknowable death, before setting foot in the city. Jewish communities. truth. These beliefs contributed to his Born Moses ben Maimon, the Most large cities across Mythic study of the fledgling Kabbalah, and he physician and philosopher Maimonides Europe and the East have dedicated became an accomplished kabbalist. (1138 - 1204) is perhaps the most influ- Jewish quarters. Where these quarters are Saadia (882 - 942) was born ential writer of his age. His Guide for the walled, they are generally referred to as Saadia ben Joseph Al-Fayyumi in Perplexed, originally written in Arabic, is “ghettos” after the first such community in Fayyum in Egypt and rose to become an essential work for those wanting to Venice. Walled or otherwise, these Jewish Gaon of the yeshivah. He was an learn of Jewish theology and philoso- quarters are a microcosm of the wider outspoken opponent of the Karaite sect phy. His principle work for Jewish con- city, providing everything needed to sup- and many of his works specialize in sumption is the Mishneh Torah, an unpar- port the Jewish community. Butchers and pointing out its failings and shortcom- alleled authority on Jewish law and lore. bakers prepare foods in accordance with ings. He also undertook rational analysis Samuel ben Judah ibn Tibbon dietary laws, with bakers operating com- of Islamic theology, and these works are (1150 - 1230) is known more for his munity ovens that whole neighborhoods still in circulation. translations of others’ works, particularly use. Communal roasting houses, for the Judah Halevi (1075 - 1140) was a Maimonides, than for any original phi- cooking of meat, are also not unknown. poet born in Toledo who spent much of losophy. But while he has written little Traders and craftsmen operate shops, his life on the move, staying ahead of the himself, he has a profound understand- which are frequented by customers from encroaching Christian reconquest of ing of philosophy, theology, and outside the community as well as inside. Iberia. Educated in vernacular Arabic, he Kabbalah. He can be found, until his Schools are maintained to educate chil- wrote extensive criticisms of the theo- death in 1230, in the city of Marseilles. dren and adult alike.

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from smaller towns and more remote vil- ing suitable spouses for their children and seven days following the burial, during lages must leave home, and those who can helping to ensure the ketuvah is in order. which time the mourners remain at home, not afford it, or those without a patron, is followed by a long refrain from work, and abstain from come to the end of their education. The period, often a year, which concludes attending synagogue, saying prayers in great yeshivot of Babylon are considered with betrothal and marriage. The groom the home instead. Other rules are also the pinnacle of Jewish scholarship. The is responsible for providing a feast for the observed, such as not changing clothes, leaders of these schools are afforded the community lasting at least three days, cutting one’s hair, and even sitting only title of , and students from across though most communities contribute in on the floor rather than on chairs Europe and the East travel to the cities of order to ease the burden. throughout the mourning period. Nehardea, , and Sura. The Widows often retain rights to their Karaite sect operates yeshivot in both husband’s property but this is not guaran- Jerusalem and Damascus, though given the DEATH teed. Where succession is contested such small size of this tradition, neither yeshiv- cases are decided upon by a rabbi and the ah is particularly large or influential. May his great name be magni- widow is expected to produce a witness to As well as the Torah and the Talmud, fied and sanctified in the world confirm the death of her husband. students must also study the , or that He has created according to written judgments on given questions of His will. May he establish His Story Hook: A wealthy Jewish law presented to learned Rabbis. Given kingdom during our lifetime and woman approaches the covenant the number and size of books that must be during the lifetime of Israel. Let for help in confirming the death studied, it is rare that any one student can us say, Amen. of her husband. He was a mer- afford to own copies for himself and this chant who left for the Holy Land gives rise to the memorization of entire May God’s great name be a year ago. She has since volumes by students. Such books as are blessed forever and ever. May received word that his ship sank available are often written in the vernacu- his holy name, blessed be he, be with the loss of all aboard. But lar language, though using Hebrew char- blessed and praised, glorified without a witness to the death acters. This is more common in Muslim and exalted, raised and lauded, she is unable to remarry. She lands where many books are translated elevated and honored, adored believes that the magi can pro- into Arabic for the consumption of those and acclaimed, above and vide witness to her husband’s schooled only in the vernacular. This beyond all blessings and songs state, through the use of their practice rarely happens in Christian lands, and praises which can be magic and the coercion of spirits. where Latin is almost never used. uttered. Let us say, Amen. But when the magi cast their Learning is given such importance in spells, they discover the man still Jewish society that adults of all back- May there be peace and life for alive and an unwilling consort to grounds strive to continue their educa- all of us and for all Israel. Let us an underwater faerie. Do they tion. This usually takes the form of com- say, Amen. rescue the merchant or take the munal study sessions held in the syna- woman’s money and stand wit- gogue, where commentaries on the Let He who makes peace in the ness to his death anyway? Talmud, or the Talmud itself, are explained. heavens, grant peace to all of us Formal education is a predominantly and to all Israel. Let us say, male pursuit, but there are no proscriptions Amen. against the education of girls. In fact, so many Jewish families make arrangements The Mourner’s Kaddish Halakha for the education of their daughters that there is little distinction. While it is less Respect for the dead is a paramount common to see women undertake the rig- concern in Jewish culture. Upon death, The law of the kingdom is the law. orous further education afforded by the the body of the deceased is washed and yeshivah, they are often capable of reading prepared by the immediate family mem- The Talmud and writing the vernacular tongue, either bers, with prayers spoken in the home of for poetic or commercial pursuits. the deceased, and burial follows quickly. The Jewish people have been given a The body is not left alone until burial. guide to good behavior through the 613 The funeral preparations are for the close Mitzvot, or commandments, gained MARRIAGE family but the wider community has a through Rabbinic study of the Torah. duty to attend the actual burial. Prayers These mitzvot provide guidance on moral The Talmud speaks extensively about and orations during the burial are uncom- issues, such as not to kidnap and not to marriage, which is seen as more of a secu- mon and the body is buried with its feet rob; cultural issues, such as marriage, lar or civil act than a sacrament. The ketu- towards Jerusalem. learning, and what foods may be eaten; vah, or marriage contract, specifies a There are a number of traditions that and religious matters, such as the mitzvah mohar to be paid by the groom to the govern funeral rites. In some areas the scat- to know that there is a God. bride’s parents, and a dowry to be brought tering of coins around the body in order to Daily life is governed not only by the with the bride into the marriage. pay off evil spirits is common. In others, mitzvot but by the interpretations laid Marriages are usually arranged the spirits are scared away by the sound of down in the Oral Torah, the Talmud, and through a professional marriage arranger, breaking pots. And, by convention, chil- increasingly in the various attempts to or shadchan, and the bride and groom are dren are forbidden from following the codify these interpretations in such works often very young, barely more than chil- funeral procession or attending the funeral. as the Mishneh Torah and the Sefer ha- dren. Families task the shadchan with find- A period of mourning is observed for Mitzvot. Collectively, this body of Jewish

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law is termed Halakha. The Mishnah identifies 36 crimes which This ongoing interpretation of the must be punished by karet. Characters Dietary Laws law is important as not all of the mitzvot punished through karet are treated as have equal standing. Some mitzvot apply excommunicates as described in Chapter The many dietary laws specified only to those living in the land of Israel, Four. Both cherem and karet can be lifted within the mitzvot are collectively or to specific times and places such as in by open acts of teshuva, or repentance. known as kashrut, and the word kosher the age of the Temple; rules on ritual puri- refers to things, including food, that ty and sacrificial practices serve little func- have been made in accordance with tion outside of the Temple. This adjudica- Jewish law and are therefore fit for use. tion of the law is the primary concern of Professions The following principles apply to the Rabbis, and the Halakha is often kosher food. termed Rabbinical Law. Many Jewish communities are self- One of the key principles in the contained villages, living off the land like • Certain animals may not be eaten. Talmud is that the laws of the land are also their gentile neighbors, and agriculture is This includes all parts and products laws that the Jewish population must an important part of Jewish life. As farm- of the forbidden animal including observe. This is principally the pragmatic ers these Jews are part of a wider agricul- flesh, eggs, and milk. acceptance of the Jewish status as a tural community, exchanging help with • Those animals that may be eaten minority, but the reliance on local laws, their gentile neighbors, gathering har- must be slaughtered in accordance supplemented with the Halakha, is what vests, and entering partnerships on the with kashrut. binds the Jewish people to the land. The ownership of land and livestock. And as • All blood must be drained from the Halakha is adjudicated within the Beth far away as Persia, Jews enjoy many char- animal before it is eaten. Din, a Rabbinic court where cases are ters giving them a monopoly on the own- • Even if an animal is permitted, cer- brought and decided. Jewish communities ership and operation of olive presses. tain parts may not be. are normally given the right to maintain Viticulture is an important industry • The meat of an animal may not be these courts and exercise authority over across Iberia, Italy, and France. While Jews eaten with dairy products. their own people. are mostly prohibited from owning land • Utensils that that have come into there are local exceptions. In France, sev- contact with non-kosher food may eral Jewish families own large vineyards, not be used with kosher food until CHEREM AND KARET producing and selling both red and white purified. wine at home and abroad. But these lands While fines and bans are the usual are subject to the whims of the king and punishments for the breaking of the law, have been repeatedly seized in the past. children to be apprenticed with Jewish Halakha recognizes two forms of excom- Despite Jewish craftsmen being craftsmen and vice versa. The need for munication. Cherem is a civic ostracism excluded from Christian guilds, they form religious observance is even enshrined in that casts the individual or group out of their own guilds and in practice they the apprenticeship contracts, with agree- Jewish society. The ostracism may be experience little discrimination, to the ments secured that Jewish apprentices temporary or indeterminate, essentially extent that it is common for Christian must be provided with kosher food by lasting until amends can be made. The act of cherem is a public affair centered on the synagogue and is publicized with full Proscriptions Against Magic ritual. The bans imposed are the niddui, under which the individual is expected to There are many prescriptions • Not to perform acts of kessem (sor- dress as though in mourning, must refrain against using magic or consulting with cery) – Deuteronomy 18:10 from cutting his hair, and refrain from either magicians or spirits within the • Not to go into a trance to foresee wearing shoes. The individual is shunned Jewish mitzvot. Some forbid member- events, etc. – Deuteronomy 18:10 by his community, is not counted towards ship of the Order, specific Houses, or • Not to engage in astrology the minyan, and one who dies while under other traditions by implication: – Leviticus 19:26 cherem is not afforded the formal funeral • Not to mutter incantations rites. The Talmud identifies 24 crimes that • Not to worship idols – Exodus 20:5 – Deuteronomy 18:11 may be punished by cherem. • Not to imitate idolaters in custom or • Not to attempt to contact the dead – The nezifah is a temporary sanction, clothing – Leviticus 20:23 Deuteronomy 18:11 usually lasting no longer than a day, in • Not to tattoo the skin – Leviticus 19:28 • Not to consult the ov (ghosts) which the punished individual is expected – Deuteronomy 18:11 to confine himself to his house and refrain Others restrict Jews from swearing • Not to consult the yidoni (wizards) – from any activity designed for business or idolatrous oaths: Deuteronomy 18:11 pleasure. The nezifah is imposed as a means of making the individual consider • Not to swear in the name of an idol It is difficult for a Gifted Jew to remain their behavior. – Exodus 23:13 true to both his faith and his magical arts. Individuals under cherem face no fur- • Not to make a covenant with idol- However, the Karaites practice a literal ther punishment in the . But those aters – Deuteronomy 17:2 interpretation of scripture and, by restrict- under the more serious karet essentially ing both their learning and practices, can undergo a spiritual death. It is said that And others specify what kinds of integrate Hermetic magic with their reli- the souls of those who die under karet go magic Jews cannot perform: gious obligations. See the Karaite Holy on to become dybbukim, spirits cut off Societates in the Characters section later. from heaven that then possess the living.

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eral employ the services of Jews, and The Radhanites where secular learning among Jews is less common. Instead of physicians with true The Jewish Radhanite merchants and the merchants rarely capture or understanding of medicine, Jewish com- from southern Iraq are known to be abduct slaves themselves. munities rely upon either Christian physi- gifted with languages and to travel cians or the folk remedies of the Ba’al extensively across Mythic Europe and Shem. As ever, Spain and Provence display the East. They are the perfectly placed STORY HOOK: a compromise as Christian kingdoms to trade spices, silks, and other exotic where secular learning is valued and where Eastern goods with the West in A covenant on the outskirts of Jewish physicians serve commoner and exchange for Western wool, tin, and Christendom becomes embroiled in a king alike. But as perpetual outsiders, timber. conflict between a Christian noble and Jewish doctors are susceptible to suspicion But notoriously, some Radhanites the unconverted native population. of wrongdoing and it is not unknown for also trade in slaves. Much of the Muslim Some of the grogs are captured by the accusation of poisoning to be made in world permits slavery and the noble and quickly traded with a cases where the patient has died. Radhanites, with their far-reaching trade Radhanite merchant, destined to be sold Because of the wide and varied edu- routes, are able to bring black slaves into slavery in the East. The magi must cation enjoyed by learned Jews, particu- from the Sudan as well as fair-skinned find their grogs and free them from the larly with regard to languages, some Jews slaves from the West. These slaves are Radhanite. But if they harm the mer- make their living as academics, tutors, usually given to the Radhanites by chant they incur the wrath of his patron, poets, and translators. These figures are Christian raiders in trade for other goods a powerful Muslim sorcerer. important in larger Jewish communities, and in the courts of the wealthy.

their hosts. And many market charters large sums of money by carrying letters of contain provision for restricting markets credit, or bills of exchange, which can be and fairs being held on Shabbat, mandat- presented to Jewish merchants, thereby Folklore ing that they be held on days more agree- guaranteeing payment in an agreed recog- able to Jewish craftsmen and merchants. nized currency. And where merchants The Jewish people have a well-devel- But there continue to be local variations work together, they can pool their capital oped folklore beyond the confines of reli- on this, and Jews in France and Germany and put it to work for them by providing gious devotion. Many holy texts, particu- face more restrictions than elsewhere. loans at interest, the practice of usury. larly the Talmud, contain aggadot, a mix- But as Jews find it difficult to own While Jews must observe mitzvot ture of folklore, legends, and maxims with land outright or to fully engage with prohibiting the lending of money to fellow cultural rather than religious significance. guilds, the buying, selling, and transport Jews at interest, they are specifically One of the most popular concerns the of goods has become an important and allowed to lend money to gentiles. In most mythical city of Chelm, which is a place profitable profession. Silk continues to be cases this is a profitable sideline, though a reputedly run by fools, who in the face of a key commodity, as with other textiles few merchants use it as their only source of trivial problems hit upon ever more fool- and the dyes, particularly brazilwood income. And while Christians and ish and outlandish solutions. Many jokes from the far east, required to process the Muslims are themselves forbidden from and stories make reference to the “Wise raw materials. Many Jews across the usury, they often partner with Jewish mer- Men of Chelm” and it is an easy task to Mediterranean and the Byzantine Empire chants, providing the capital while the make fun of someone by claiming they are engaged in the silk trade. Under Jewish merchant arranges and manages the come from Chelm. Frederick II, Jews enjoy a monopoly on loan and any interest gained. So wide- The Lamed Vav Tzadikim Nistarim the production and dyeing of silk spread is the practice of Jewish usury that are the 36 hidden righteous ones; 36 good throughout Sicily. At the same time, in kings take considerable loans from them. souls in each generation that are necessary Muslim Spain, Jews have a monopoly on While there is profit to be had in this, to sustain the world. And out of these 36, the production and import of crimson kings also have the power to cancel such one in each generation has the capacity to dyes used in processing textiles. loans, and even Pope Innocent III ordered become a messiah. The Nistarim go about There are well-known Jewish mer- the cancellation of all such debts in 1215 their lives usually unaware of their signifi- chant families in Barcelona and Majorca for all who took the cross ahead of the cru- cance. But there comes a moment in the that own and operate large shipping fleets sade. But increasingly, all loans are record- lives of each of the Nistarim in which they that navigate the known world. Smaller ed, either through local notaries or in must choose to do the right thing. If any operations also sail out of the more promi- national registers, and some rulers offer choose the wrong path, then great calami- nent ports of Genoa and Venice. These protection. In 1214, Philip the Fair of ty will befall the world. Those suspected maritime merchants take wine, furs, wool, France ordered the repayment of all loans of being Nistarim in their lifetimes are tin, and other commodities to the East to Jews before undertaking the crusade. afforded great reverence. and return with exotic spices, timber, Jews in the East learn the rudiments of The Yeshivah shel Malah is one of gemstones, and precious metals. medicine, another important profession, at the rewards that awaits the righteous and Jewish merchants in particular are an early age; when Maimonides’ merchant the worthy. It is a place where the True comfortable with numerous languages as brother died at sea, Maimonides took up Torah is revealed in all its divine glory they have contacts throughout Europe medicine to provide for his family. Under and where the dead can study it under the and the East. And this network of contacts the liberal East, Jewish physicians are able instruction of the angel Zagzagel. supports another key profession associat- to serve the highest powers in the land and Legends persist that the Yeshivah shel ed with the Jews: finance. Jewish mer- gain fame and fortune. Contrast this with Malah may be reached by the living chants avoid much of the risk of carrying the West, where Christians do not in gen- through a hidden earthly gateway, per-

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haps a reference to a Celestial regio. Jewish folklore is filled with ghost stories. But these ghosts are usually con- fined to the cemetery, and it is a common theme that the conversations of the dead can be overheard there. Another form of ghost is the ibbur, a spirit, usually divine in nature, that co-inhabits a body so that its wisdom may be expressed through its host for a short time. But this is very close to demonic possession and it is considered unwise to seek out an ibbur for fear of finding something else. Should a person be inhabited by an ibbur or , all is not lost. Rabbinic and kabbalistic litera- ture goes into great detail on the exorciz- ing of such spirits and the rules from Chapter Four of this book can be applied by rabbis, kabbalists, or the Ba’al Shem. In this case, recitation of the replaces holy water and the cross as used in Christian exorcism rites. The figure of Rav Hamnuna Sava appears in the Talmud as a sage or wise man. The character has changed through the centuries and is now more folklore than fact, transforming into a faerie. The faerie Rav Hamnuna Sava appears as a humble ass-driver claiming to know the secrets of the Oral Torah. He offers to share his secrets, which are of incalculable use to kabbalists, but first puts the prospective students through arduous and humiliating trials. Those who show humility and due deference are rewarded with insights that they must keep secret or lose forever. The Evil Eye, a manifestation of ill-will and jealousy that causes harm to any who fall under its gaze, is a constant fear for silent curses as they cross unguarded minds. Any magical or non-magical charm express- ordinary Jewish people. The effects are But there are still some simple measures that ly made by a Ba’al Shem is sufficient to ward most often minor and inconvenient but in can be taken. Door and window frames are against the Evil Eye. extreme cases the Evil Eye can cause illness often painted blue to ward against the Evil There is also a breed of faeries that and death. In truth, the acts are perpetrated Eye, and amulets and phylacteries achieve emulate the Evil Eye, and most observe by countless demons that act upon stray the same effect. The demons behind the the same folk charms that affect demons, thoughts. Some act upon glances, others Evil Eye find these things inimical and they represented through the Traditional listen for rash words, while others still hear are usually enough to defend against them. Ward Flaw (Realms of Power: Faerie, page 52). In fact, magi of Jewish descent often find themselves affected by similar wards, New Flaw: Vulnerable to Folk Tradition represented by the Minor Flaw Vulnerable to Folk Tradition (see the Minor, Hermetic as sprinkling with salt or lying on an iron insert nearby or Houses of Hermes: Societates, The magus’s magic is susceptible to bed. This typically requires an page 107). various folk-remedies for averting hos- Intelligence + Magic Lore roll against an tile spells. Any target who is aware that Ease Factor of (9 + the spell’s magnitude) Story Hook: A powerful faerie the magus has just used his magic may or greater. presence turns the Jewish quarter attempt a folk ritual, such as making a In the case of Jewish magi, targets into the mythical city of Chelm, sign against evil, or spitting, and so are protected by touching any charm where everything is nonsense forth. This grants the target a Magic made expressly for protection against and reason is turned upside- Resistance equal to (5 x the target’s magic by a Ba’al Shem or any character down. The community awakes to Magic Lore), or 0 if the target does not with the Craft Amulets Ability. Such find that the cobbled streets have have this Ability, against the magus’s charms provide resistance equal to (5 x been broken up so that the carts magic only. Furthermore, someone with the maker’s Magic Lore). The charm do not clatter upon the cobbles, Magic Lore may be able to devise a man- itself does not need to be enchanted or the community oven has been ner to break a lasting enchantment, such magical in any way. broken up, its pieces spread throughout the city, so that

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your character to add his Artes Liberales Sample Celestial Regiones score to Kabbalah totals.

Chapter Two of this book describes age but never die. They suffer the BA’AL SHEM Celestial regiones, places where the raw encroaching years but never reach an Free, Social power of the Divine touches upon Earth. end, until they leave. All within the city Your character is a Ba’al Shem, a mas- There are two such places that appear in exist in a state of Divine grace, engaged in ter of the Divine name, a folk healer and Jewish folklore; the Yeshivah shel acts of adoration, prayer, and study. worker of wonders. He is a member of the Malah, and the City of Luz. The City of Luz can only be Ba’al Shem Holy Tradition and treats reached through an opening in an Adjuration, Blessing, Craft Amulets, and almond tree, found somewhere in the Invocation as favored Abilities. YESHIVAH SHEL MALAH Holy Land. It is said that Solomon knew of its location through talking with birds CRAFT AMULETS The angel Zagzagel presides over the that had overflown the city. Divine Minor, Supernatural Ability Yeshivah shel Malah, which takes the visions of the tree may be summoned by Your character begins with Craft form of a boundless synagogue made of the pious, visions that act as a pathway Amulets 1, a Supernatural Ability that rep- blinding white light and burning black to the city. It takes a Purity (or resents his ability to make seggulot, small fire. The souls of the learned and the pious Merkavah) + Intervention miraculous objects imbued with supernatural effects can be found here basking in the knowl- effect of base 35 to summon a pathway and harness the power of words and sym- edge emanating from the True Torah. to the city gates, and this first requires a bols (see Abilities). The living may seek the Yeshivah Holy Connection to the city or the tree. but every scholar must find it in his own Characters suffering one or more DREAM INTERPRETATION way, either through studying from a incapacitating wounds who are taken to Major, Supernatural Ability hundred teachers, selflessly teaching all the City of Luz make recovery rolls as Your character begins with Dream who ask, or even simply seeking the normal (ArM5, page 179), but any rolls Interpretation 1, a Supernatural Ability answer to an impossible question. Only of 0 or less impose an Aging Point in any that represents his ability to divine the when the scholar has proved himself physical Characteristic. truth behind prophetic dreams. The value worthy will the Yeshivah be revealed. The city walls exist within a level 3 of dream interpretation is well understood The Yeshivah shel Malah is a single regio, accessible through the almond tree. in Jewish society and, given its Biblical layer, level 5 regio. Those entering the city proper enter a associations, it is an accepted form of div- level 7 regio, and it is here that they find ination. This Ability may be used in place themselves immune to death’s grasp. of Meditation as a Holy Method when THE CITY OF LUZ Those within the city can leave at any activating holy powers (see Abilities). time, but if the character has spent any The Divine City of Luz, with every longer than a year in the city doing so EDUCATED (HEBREW) surface painted blue, is the city of immor- forces an immediate aging roll using the Minor, General tality and the Angel of Death is unable to character’s true age and a penalty of –1 Your character has been educated enter its gates. Those within the city walls for every five years of the character’s stay. in a beit ha-midrash or yeshivah and may purchase Academic Abilities at character generation. Your character everyone may share, and every gains 50 extra experience points to be Rabbi has been sent into a deep Virtues spent on some or all of the following: sleep so that they might not Given the restrictions imposed upon Hebrew, Aramaic, Theology: Judaism, transgress the mitzvot that they Jews, certain Social Status Virtues are for- and Judaic Lore. Characters from Iberia constantly warn against. The bidden for Jewish characters. Both Knight or the East may also spend some of these community must find the faeries and Landed Noble imply a feudal position points on Arabic. responsible and outwit them in a within society, which Jews cannot occupy. game of ludicrous logic, forcing Neither can they qualify for Magister in GEMATRIA them to move on and so return Artibus or any other standard scholastic Major, Supernatural Ability their home to normal. position, and must take Educated This Virtue confers the Supernatural (Hebrew) instead to gain access to Ability Gematria 1. It is only available to Academic Abilities. Naturally, they are for- characters with the Education (Hebrew) bidden from taking Monastic Vows or any Virtue. This Ability may be used in place other role within the Christian church, and of Meditation as a Holy Method when the proscription against swearing Oaths of activating holy powers (see Abilities). Characters Fealty prevents them from taking positions in Christian trade and craft guilds. Lastly, KABBALAH While some Virtues and Flaws are given the frequent restrictions or carrying Major, Supernatural Ability forbidden to Jewish characters, this sec- arms and wearing armor that Jews experi- This Virtue confers the Supernatural tion presents a new set of Virtues and ence they may not take the Warrior Virtue. Ability Kabbalah 1. Is is only available to Flaws that describe Jewish society and characters with the Education (Hebrew) mysticism, along with new Abilities that ASTROLOGICAL MAGIC Virtue. This Ability may be used in place build upon the Holy Methods and Powers Minor, Supernatural of Invocation as a Holy Method when presented in Chapter Three. Schooled both in astrology and in activating holy powers (see Abilities). It kabbalistic mysticism, this Virtue allows also gives you the unique ability to con-

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struct a golem — a holy creature brought Philosophiae score to Kabbalah totals. to life through Divine blessing. New Flaws RABBI KABBALIST Minor, Social Status Free, Social Status Your character is an ordained Rabbi, MAJOR, HERMETIC This is a special Mythic Companion a teacher and wise man of the Jewish com- Karaite Magic Social Status Virtue and must be taken by munity. He is afforded the respect due all kabbalists. It is compatible with all from all within his community, who look MINOR, SOCIAL STATUS other Social Status Virtues and Flaws. to him for leadership and guidance. As a rabbi, your character is expected to teach Gabai MERKAVAH students, to study and write upon the law, Outsider Major, Supernatural Ability and to pass judgment upon cases brought This Virtue confers the Supernatural before the the Jewish court. MAJOR, STORY Ability Merkavah 1. It is only available to The rabbi must take the Educated characters with the Education (Hebrew) (Hebrew) Virtue to provide the required Nistar Virtue. Merkavah is the knowledge of Academic Abilities. This Virtue is only kabbalistic prayers, rituals, and invoca- available to male characters. MINOR, SUPERNATURAL tions designed to purify the soul. This Evil Eye Ability may be used in place of Purity as a ROSH BETH DIN Holy Method when activating holy pow- Major, Social Status ers (see Abilities). The Rosh Beth Din, or Head of the the community. He is also responsible for Court, presides at the Beth Din rabbinic waking the community early each morning PHILOSOPHIC MAGIC court. Your character must be (30 – Int) so that they can attend prayers and for Minor, Supernatural years old to take this Virtue and have making announcements concerning ser- Schooled both in academic philoso- scores of at least 5 in Hebrew, Rabbinic vices, births, marriages, and deaths. phy and in kabbalistic mysticism, this Law, and Theology: Judaism. Your char- As a shamash, the character must Virtue allows your character to add his acter may purchase Academic Abilities at have the Educated (Hebrew) Virtue. character generation and gains 50 extra experience points to be spent on the SOFER New Virtues required Abilities. Free, Social Status The Rosh Beth Din gains the +2 The sofer is the scribe whose role it is MINOR, GENERAL good Reputation Rosh Beth Din, which to create a new Sefer Torah, or repair any applies across his country. This Virtue fading or damage to an existing scroll, as Educated (Hebrew) also includes the effects of the Social required. The sofer must be educated and Contacts Virtue and you are able to find able to read and write Hebrew as the act MAJOR, SOCIAL STATUS contacts within any Jewish community of scribing the Sefer Torah requires knowl- that supports a yeshivah. This Virtue is edge and understanding of the text. Rosh Beth Din only available to male characters. As a sofer, the character must have the Educated (Hebrew) Virtue. SHADCHAN MINOR, SOCIAL STATUS Minor, Social Status Rabbi The shadchan is a marriage arranger, Shadchan trusted by prospective parents to find the Flaws best matrimonial match for their sons and daughters. The shadchan will ensure a All Jewish characters must take a form FREE, SOCIAL STATUS match of backgrounds, wealth, education, of the Outsider Flaw, either the existing Ba’al Shem and character. He is able to do this by Major Flaw for magi and companions, or Kabbalist forging relationships with all the families the new Minor version for grogs. These Shamash in the community, and because of this the Outsider Flaws are compatible with other Sofer shadchan should be both honest and a Jewish Social Status Virtues and Flaws. good judge of character. The role of shad- chan is open to both men and women alike THE EVIL EYE MAJOR, SUPERNATURAL and this Virtue is compatible with any Minor, Supernatural other Minor or Free Social Status Virtue. You character bears the Evil Eye, the Dream Interpretation The shadchan receives an extra 50 uncontrolled potential to bring harm to Gematria experience points to be spent on social others around her. Characters making Kabbalah Abilities and an Area Lore appropriate for stress rolls in her presence are subject to Merkavah their community. an additional botch die. Characters may protect themselves through the use of an MINOR, SUPERNATURAL SHAMASH amulet or a ritual, decided upon by the Free, Social Status troupe, which does not need to be magi- Astrological Magic The shamash is the servant of the syn- cal or supernatural in nature. A magic Craft Amulets agogue and responsible for its well-being. resistance of 0 or more, including the Philosophic Magic He must ensure that the synagogue is clean effect of the Aegis of the Hearth, is also and in good repair that it is available for all sufficient to guard against this effect.

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GABAI Holy Magic that prevents them from must interact with them. There is no way Minor, Social Staus learning such spells, but casting them ren- for your character to lose this Flaw. Appointed by the community coun- ders the caster unclean. Similarly, allow- This Flaw is usually only appropriate cil, the gabai is the local tax collector. It is ing non-Karaite magic to be cast upon for grogs; companions and magi should his responsibility to ensure that Jewish them also renders the Karaite target ritu- take the Major Flaw instead. taxes, payable to the community on such ally unclean and their Holy Magic is at things as wine and meat, are collected risk of failing until they are able to ritual- TZADIK NISTAR from all adult males. ly cleanse and purify themselves. Major, Story The gabai has a –2 negative Your character is one of the Tzadikim Reputation of “Tax Collector” in your his OUTSIDER Nistarim, one of the 36 hidden righteous community. This Flaw is compatible with Minor, Social Status upon which the continuation of the world any other Free Social Status Virtue. Your character belongs to a group that relies. She is destined to face a moment of is readily identifiable and distrusted or dis- moral decision, where she and the world KARAITE MAGIC liked by most Europeans, such as the through her will be tested. This moment Major, Hermetic Saracens, Jews, or Moors. However, your could be small and personal, or it require a In order for your character’s magic to character lives in a part of the world where very public act. The result of failing in her conform to scripture, all of his magic, people of their culture are more common, test has immediate consequences defined including spells, enchantments, and such as the Holy Land, or Iberia, or in an by the storyguide. The Dominion may fall longevity rituals, must be designed with insulated or isolated community where his in her community or in the place of her Holy Magic instead of Magic Theory. differences are tolerated and even accepted, moral failure; the Infernal may claim a new Because of the strong restrictions imposed such as a large city ghetto or a covenant, so soul; or a whole region may face severe upon his magic by his faith, he cannot seek this Flaw rarely affects him as badly as it hardship until she puts right her failure. or accept magical or mundane healing from would in other places. Your character has a She may suspect that she has been chosen a non-Karaite source, nor can he accept any bad Reputation of level 1 to 3 (depending as one of the 36, but she does not know in other magical effect from a non-Karaite. upon how easy it is to identify him) among advance what her personal test will be, Karaites are also restricted from prac- the dominant culture in their region, and though it may be discovered by consulting ticing divination, astrology, and the sum- people from outside of their sheltered com- with prophets and learned men. moning or use of spirits, particularly munity may shun him, persecute themhim ghosts. There is nothing within their or threaten his life and freedom when he Shape and Material Bonuses Characters using the Craft Amulets Radishes: +2 aid digestion Restricting the effect provides a bonus Ability may use the following bonuses Ruby: +1 fertility of +5 to the Craft Amulets total. when enchanting amulets. Others may Sapphire: +1 medicine, +2 eyes Common examples are House, city, also be used with the troupe’s agreement. Silver: +1 purity, +3 protection against covenant, or faith. A seal can be created Herbs and vegetables can only be used in spirits bearing the name of an individual, the crafting of Minor Amulets, while Topaz: +2 alleviate fever, +1 love which restricts the effect to just that minerals and gemstones can also be used potions individual. in Major Amulets. The total bonus pro- Terafim are small pottery figurines com- vided by shapes or materials is limited to The crafting of amulets has been in monly used in both divination and the character’s Craft Amulets Score. practice for thousands of years, during witchcraft. The use of a terafim to which time combinations of shape, mate- express an Understanding or Cursing Agate: +2 surefootedness (including rid- rial, and ritual have been discovered that effect provides a bonus of +5. ing) provide additional bonuses: The Star of David provides a +5 bonus Amethyst: +3 evil spirits to protection. Asparagus: +2 heart or eyes Copper amulets inscribed with the name Beryl: +1 aid digestion of a person and buried at the four com- Amulets specifying how they are Bitter Vetch: +2 bowels pass points surrounding the caster pro- worn or buried are active only when used Black Cumin: +2 ease chest pain vide a bonus of +10 to discover the according to the specified ritual. Carbuncle: +3 longevity and aging whereabouts of that person. Colors are important in Jewish mys- Cucumbers: +2 for laxative effects Copper plates worn inside the shoes ticism and also contribute to shape and Dates: +2 treatment of hemorrhoids provide a bonus of +10 to effects that material bonuses. and constipation ward against wild animals. Emerald: +3 granting courage Forming the amulet from a coin pro- Black: +1 loss, +2 mourning Lentils: +2 prevent croup vides an additional +1 bonus. Blue: +1 good fortune, +2 protection Garlic: +2 improve vitality, +3 kill Pottery bowls inverted and buried from evil internal parasites beneath doors provide a bonus of +10 Green: +1 beauty Gold: +1 divination, +2 medicine, to effects that ward the room or build- Purple: +1 love or kindness +3 justice ing against non-Divine spirits. Red: +1 the Infernal, +2 fear Jasper: +3 temperance A seal of wax or metal can be used to White: +1 compassion, +2 purity, Milt: +2 healthy teeth restrict an effect to or exclude the effect +3 holines Onyx: +1 charm from the group of people it represents.

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The Divine Abilities level for two points of penetration. This is in addition to penetration gained through New Abilities arcane and sympathetic connections, and is The following new abilities are not modified by sympathetic connections. appropriate for Jewish characters. Specialties: Specific Holy Methods SUPERNATURAL or Powers, particular shapes or materials Craft Amulets CRAFT AMULETS (Supernatural) Dream Interpretation The Ba’al Shem tradition of Jewish Gematria folk magicians uses the Craft Amulets DREAM INTERPRETATION Kabbalah Ability in combination with their Holy Jewish lore understands dreams, such Merkavah Methods and Powers to aid and protect as those experienced by the biblical David individuals and places. and Joseph, to be one of the chief vehicles All amulets are created with a Touch through which God and the angels bestow him. The next day he listens as range and the new Worn duration, which visions and prophecies upon humanity. Elizabeth describe her dreams. is equivalent to Sun. The target may be The Dream Interpretation Ability has With an Intelligence of 2, a Individual, Room, Structure, or Boundary. two uses. The first is a form of Meditation, Dream Interpretation of 5 In the case of targets other than as per the Holy Power, used in combina- including a specialty in “mar- Individual, the amulet is considered Worn tion with Holy Methods. In this case the riage,” a roll of 6, and the Divine while it is in contact with or buried character must engage in ritual prayer for aura of 3, Aron manages a total beneath the target. The Boundary target an hour before spending a full night in rest- of 16. The Ease Factor is as per would normally imply a ritual but in the ful sleep. Upon waking he must spend (6 – the Intellego Mentem spell case of amulets, this instead adds a further Dream Interpretation to a minimum of 1) Perception of the Conflicting Motives, 20 to the effect level. The Worn duration hours contemplating the imagery revealed or 15. After an hour of consider- lasts until either the amulet is broken or is to him in his dream. At the end of that time ation, Aron decides that removed from the target. you roll for the miraculous effect as normal. Elizabeth’s husband is worried Two types of amulet may be created, The second use is a form of direct he cannot afford their son’s con- Minor and Major. Minor amulets are divination. In this case he is interpreting tinued tuition, and Elizabeth designed for a specific Individual target his own dreams or the dreams of others to resolves to counsel her husband. and take (12 – Craft Amulets to a mini- find answers to posed questions. The mum of 1) hours to create. The crafter’s dreamer must be prepared, as per the nor- GEMATRIA Craft Amulets Total must be at least dou- mal use of the Dream Interpretation Gematria is a Jewish form of the ble the target level of effect. They usually Ability, and upon waking he again spends Meditation Divine Method and can be last a matter of days or weeks, determined (6 – Dream Interpretation, to a minimum used in the same way. The kabbalist must by the quality of their construction. of 1) hours contemplating the imagery. spend a number of hours equal to (12 – Major amulets take a season or more He may then make an Intelligence + Gematria score), to a minimum of 1, to create. Once the level of effect has been Dream Interpretation roll. Characters studying a text. At the end of this time, he determined, the craftsman must spend con- with the Premonitions Ability gain a uses the lower of either his Gematria score secutive seasons working on the amulet. bonus equal to their Premonitions score. or the book’s Quality in place of his For each point by which the Craft Amulets The Ease Factor is the level of the Meditation when activating holy powers. Total exceeds the level of effect the crafter equivalent Momentary non-ritual Intellego Gematria also allows the kabbalist to accumulates one point until the target level Hermetic spell. Holding an arcane connec- potentially extend his natural lifespan has been reached. The craftsman can work tion to a target is treated as Touch range through the art of Shinnui Shem, or the on only one Major Amulet in a season. and the Boundary target does not require a change of his True Name (see the Jewish ritual. The usual rules for penetration in Mysticism section later). CRAFT MINOR AMULET TOTAL: ArM5, page 184 apply to this Ability. Specialties: Shinnui Shem, specific Dexterity + Craft Amulets + Shape and Most who possess the Dream texts or Holy Power (Supernatural) Material Bonus + Dominion Aura Bonus Interpretation Ability have specific rituals that they believe helps them to achieve JUDAIC LORE CRAFT MAJOR AMULET TOTAL: insight. Some fast before sleeping, some Judaic Lore is the knowledge of Dexterity + Craft Amulets + Holy wear ritual clothes while they sleep, while Jewish cultural practice as opposed to Method + Holy Power + Shape and others sleep in graveyards in order to gain strictly religious details. This includes Material Bonus + Dominion Aura Bonus the assistance of ghosts. poetry, folklore, songs, and so on. All Specialties: Any appropriate Holy Jewish characters are versed in Judaic Lore If using the rules from City & Guild, Power, own dreams or the dreams of oth- to some degree and experience points in amulets typically have 1 Damage Level but ers, dreams had under specific circum- this Ability at character creation can be non-perishable components may be reused. stances (Supernatural) part of their childhood abilities. Amulets have a penetration of 0 but Specialties: folklore, music, poetry, songs they can contain Holy or Arcane Exempli Gratia: Elizabeth confides Connections to a given target, treating the in Ba’al Shem Aron that her hus- KABBALAH base multiplier as the new penetration band is keeping secrets from her Kabbalah is the Jewish form of the score, as well as sympathetic connections, and she is worried for him. Aron Invocation Divine Method and can be which modify the base penetration as nor- tells her to pray for an hour used in the same way. In addition, it is the mal. The effects of both Minor and Major before sundown, sleep with her mystical understanding of the Divine Amulets can also have penetration husband’s prayer shawl under forces of creation and provides the knowl- designed into the effect at a cost of one her pillow, and then bring it to edge through which the Kabbalist forms

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RABBINICAL LAW The name Ba’al Shem means “master The Circle of the This is the Jewish version of Civil & of the Divine name,” which references Canon Law. The major sources of their invocation of astral powers, particu- Unique Cherub Rabbinic Law are the Talmud, the Oral larly the true names of the angels. They Torah, and the responsa of the Geonim. are seen as workers of wonders within The Circle of the Unique Cherub Specialties: any one of the sources of their communities and, though often poor is a small school of Jewish mystics and Rabbinic Law, dietary laws, particular top- and relatively uneducated, are afforded philosophers, numbering no more than ics, precedents of a given area (Academic) respect at least by those they serve. a dozen, based in Provence and the However, their practices may appear per- Rhine. Membership of the circle is by THEOLOGY: JUDAISM ilously close to witchcraft to those who invitation and its existence is not wide- This is the Jewish equivalent of do not know them. This is a case not ly known. With the Sefer Yetzirah as Christian Theology. The major sources helped by the countless angelic names their foundation text, they seek to for Jewish theology are the Torah, the that they invoke, many unknown to those understand creation through mystical Nevi’im, and the Ketuvim. who do not practice the art of the Ba’al analogies, which leads some to con- Specialties: the Torah, creation, his- Shem, and the many and varied ingredi- centrate on Dominion Lore, while oth- tory, prophecies (Academic) ents used in their amulets. ers have become proficient with the Their crafts are passed apprentice- mysteries of the Kabbalah. In particu- like, usually from father to son, and so lar, the Circle is well-practiced with there is little organization within this tradi- the creation of golems, of which there Traditions tion. Their favored Abilities are usually are currently three. taught or practiced in the manner of crafts The following divine traditions are and rarely studied from books. The favored found among the Jews. Abilities are common to all Ba’al Shem but and brings life to a golem (see the Jewish Initiations are known that grant access to Mysticism section later). HOLY TRADITION: BA’AL SHEM additional Holy Methods and Powers. Specialties: golems, specific Holy Favored Abilities: Adjuration, Power (Supernatural) Blessing, Craft Amulets, and Invocation HOLY SOCIETATES: KARAITES There is little distinction between Favored Abilities: Craft Amulets, MERKAVAH faith, mysticism, and magic within Jewish Holy Magic, Merkavah, Transcendence Merkavah is the Jewish form of the life, and the Ba’al Shem exemplify this. Required Flaws: Karaite Magic, Purity Divine Method and can be used in They are itinerant workers of Divine Outsider (Major, Jew) the same way. In addition it is the study of magic, folk healers who serve their com- Given their strict interpretations of the orders and names of angels and demons munities with the use of practical cures and scripture, Gifted Karaites can become and other creatures of both the Magic and charms. Often craftsmen with little use for members of the Order so long as their Faerie Realms. Kabbalists use Merkavah to philosophy or ceremony, the Ba’al Shem magic is based wholly upon God’s will, as learn the True Names of these entities, make amulets, or seggulot, and deliver represented by the Holy Magic Virtue which they may further use in their work blessings for their clients in return for pay- and Ability (see Chapter Three). While (see the Jewish Mysticism section later). ment. They are masters of amulet crafting, Holy Magic imposes its own restrictions, Specialties: Specific realm or Holy and this is the chief method by which they Karaite magi work their magic under their Power (Supernatural) work their magic in the community. own scriptural restrictions, conditions that have become ingrained in the Karaite Magic Flaw, which forbids divination, astrology, and the summoning or use of Other Magical Traditions spirits, particularly ghosts. A Karaite lineage can be found with- Jewish culture has a strong - Ba’al Ov, necromantic practitioners of in House Ex Miscellanea where Holy sophic tradition with a great many summoning magic. The Ba’al Ov do not Magic is the Major Non-Hermetic Virtue, scholars through the ages. As a result, simply converse with spirits as those Craft Amulets taken as the Minor these scholars are often drawn to the life with Merkavah do, but bring them into Hermetic Virtue, and Karaite Magic as the of a learned magician or to elemental their presence and command them to Major Hermetic Flaw. But as the Karaite magic (see Hedge Magic: Revised Edition) do their bidding. sect does not seek converts, ensuring especially in Muslim-controlled Spain or The Ba’al Ov, also sometimes called instead that the Karaite way is propagated the East. But these Jewish magicians are Meonen or Sho’elim ‘ov, use the through their children, Hermetic Karaites a relatively new phenomenon and still Summoning, Commanding, and Binding can only take Gifted apprentices from rare. Those not exposed to, or distrustful Goetic Arts as presented in Realms of within their own religion. This makes the of, magic can make full use of the arts of Power: The Infernal, pages 114–119. This lineage perilously small and vulnerable. Natural Philosophy (Art & Academe, particular tradition of summoners forces Karaite magi are most likely to be Chapter 5). incorporeal spirits to manifest not found in Jerusalem or in Muslim Iberia through simple circles but through and are rare outside of these areas. objects and even participants in the ritual. THE BA’AL OV Corpses and skulls are commonly used, MYTHIC COMPANION: KABBALIST both to receive the temporarily sum- Favored Abilities: Ceremony, Another tradition that can be moned spirit and as permanent recepta- Gematria, Kabbalah, Merkavah found within Jewish communities is the cles for the Binding power. Kabbalists are the result of centuries of theological insight into the forces of

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creation, insights that they draw upon to Warping Score: 0 (0) Bludgeon: Init –1, Attack +2, Defense 0, view and influence the world around Virtues and Flaws: Shadchan; Clear Damage +2 them. The foundation of their studies is Thinker, Educated (Hebrew); Clumsy, Soak: 0 the Sefer Yetzirah and the Sefirot described Meddler (Minor), Outsider (Minor, Jew) Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, –1, –3, –5, within (see Jewish Mysticism later). Personality Traits: Friendly +2, Direct +1, Unconscious Jewish communities are frequently Respectful +1 Wound Penalties: –1 (1–5), –3 (6–10), –5 small, so it is not uncommon for a kabbal- (11–15), Incapacitated (16–20), Dead ist to find himself isolated and working (21+) alone. However, the majority of kabbalists Abilities: Area Lore 4 (personalities), Artes can be found in large cities within the larg- Liberales 1 (grammar), Awareness 2 er Jewish communities, where they can (alertness), Bargain 4 (ketuvot), Carouse 2 work together, sharing resources, teaching (games of chance), Charm 2 (first impres- each other, and crucially drawing upon the sions), Concentration 2 (ceremonies), additional power of Ceremony. These Etiquette 3 (marriage arrangements), Folk kabbalistic communities are also able to Ken 5 (prospective husbands), Local Initiate their members into the various Language 5 (poetry), Guile 2 (hiding bad Holy Powers needed to complement their news), Hebrew 5 (poetry), Judaic Lore 4 favored Holy Methods. See The Mysteries: (songs), Rabbinical Law 3 (marriage laws), Revised Edition for rules on Initiation. Profession: Shadchan 4 (remarrying wid- Required Virtues and Flaws: The ows), Theology: Judaism 3 (marriage) kabbalist must take the Free Kabbalist Equipment: Jewish clothing. Mythic Companion Virtue to represent Notes: The shadchan lives and works in a his calling. And all kabbalists must take Jewish community within a city, but Virtues for least one of their favored Holy must often travel to other communities Methods and two Holy Powers in addition in order to find matches. The ability to Educated (Hebrew). This leaves the scores above include the experience kabbalist with 10 points of Virtues remain- points awarded from the Educated and ing. Note that to balance the character’s Shadchan Virtues. Virtues and Flaws at this stage, the charac- ter must take at least 5 points of Flaws. Story Hook: A Jewish magus must The character must also take the find a wife for his apprentice Outsider (Major, Jew) Flaw and a further before he reaches the age of 18 Social Status Virtue to represent his posi- and so he turns to a wise old tion within the community. shadchan for help. The shad- Minimum Ability Scores: The kab- chan agrees to help and promis- balist must start with the following mini- es to return before the year is up mum Ability scores: with four prospective brides, each suitable for marriage with a Artes Liberales 1 learned magus of the Order, Dominion Lore 1 whereupon they shall live with Hebrew 4 the magus and his apprentice for Judaic Lore 1 a season. When the shadchan Theology: Judaism 3 returns, the magus is indeed pre- Rabbinical Law 1 sented with four beautiful women, each with their own supernatural gifts and each from The Tree of Life a different supernatural realm. Grog Templates LEVEL NAME MEANING The magus must choose between 10 Keter Crown them, or at least root out the Jewish grogs must take the Outsider 9 Chochmah Wisdom Infernal threat before his appren- Minor Flaw, which means that they must 8 Binah Insight tice has chance to fall for her. live in either a Jewish community, often a 7 Chessed Love Jewish quarter of a city, or a covenant. A 6 Gevurah Power Jew living outside of such communities is 5 Tiferet Beauty SOFER too much a focus of attention to be a 4 Netzach Endurance background character, which precludes 3 Hod Splendor Characteristics: Int +1, Per 0, Pre 0, Com him from being a grog. 2 Yesod Foundation +2, Str 0, Sta 0, Dex +2, Qik 0 1 Malchut Kingdom Size: 0 Age: 25 (25) SHADCHAN Warping Score: 0 (0) Reputations: Jew 2 (Christians) Virtues and Flaws: Sofer; Educated Characteristics: Int 0, Per +2, Pre +1, Com Combat: (Hebrew), Gossip, Puissant Scribe; Gabai; +2, Str 0, Sta 0, Dex 0, Qik 0 Dodge: Init 0, Attack N/A, Defense 0, The Evil Eye, Outsider (Minor, Jew), Size: 0 Damage N/A Personality Traits: Inquisitive +2, Age: 30 (30) Fist: Init 0, Attack 0, Defense 0, Damage 0 Dedicated +1

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Reputations: Jew 2 (Christians), Tax Collector Reputations: Jew 2 (Christians) Damage +2 2 (York Jews), Gossip 1 (York Jews) Combat: Soak: +1 Combat: Dodge: Init +0, Attack N/A, Defense +1, Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, –1, –3, –5, Dodge: Init +0, Attack N/A, Defense +1, Damage N/A Unconscious Damage N/A Fist: Init +0, Attack +3, Defense +1, Damage Wound Penalties: –1 (1–5), –3 (6–10), –5 Fist: Init +0, Attack +4, Defense +2, Damage +0 (11–15), Incapacitated (16–20), Dead +0 Bludgeon: Init –1, Attack +6, Defense +2, (21+) Bludgeon: Init –1, Attack +5, Defense +1, Damage +2 Abilities: Aramaic 4 (scripture), Artes Damage +2 Soak: 0 Liberales 2 (rhetoric), Ceremony 1 Soak: 0 Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, –1, –3, –5, (Kabbalah), Civil & Canon Law 2 (as Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, –1, –3, –5, Unconscious affects Jews), Dominion Lore 2 (angels), Unconscious Wound Penalties: –1 (1–5), –3 (6–10), –5 Finesse 1 (Wonders), Gematria 4 Wound Penalties: –1 (1–5), –3 (6–10), –5 (11–15), Incapacitated (16–20), Dead (Understanding), Hebrew 5 (Torah read- (11–15), Incapacitated (16–20), Dead (21+) ings), Judaic Lore 2 (folklore), Kabbalah (21+) Abilities: Adjuration 3 (assisting Jews), Area 4 +2 (Wonders), Leadership 2 (in Abilities: Aramaic 3 (written), Area Lore 2 Lore: Home County 2 (roads), Athletics 1 court), Local Language 5 (storytelling), (collecting taxes), Art of Memory 3 (running), Blessing 3 (houses), Brawl 1 Penetration 2 (Wonders), Philosophiae (Torah), Artes Liberales 3 (grammar), (bludgeon), Carouse 2 (games of chance), 1 (natural philosophy), Rabbinical Law Awareness 2 (in his workshop), Charm 2 (first impressions), Chirurgy 3 4 (property), Teaching 3 (Talmud), Bookbinding 2 (preparing Torah scrolls), (setting bones), Craft Amulets 4 Theology: Judaism 2 (Halakha), Brawl 1 (fist), Carouse 1 (games of (Adjuration), Folk Ken 3 (townsfolk), Understanding 4 (concerning Jews), chance), Charm 2 (apologizing), Local Language 5 (storytelling), Hebrew Wonders 4 (golems) Concentration 3 (scribing), Local 4 (talking with rabbis), Invocation 3 Equipment: Hebrew books, rabbinical Language 5 (storytelling), Hebrew 4 (Blessing), Judaic Lore 2 (folklore), robes, Jewish hat, outer clothes with (written), Illumination 3 (Sefer Torah), Penetration 1 (Adjuration), Theology: Jewish badge emblazoned upon them Judaic Lore 3 (poetry), Percamenarius 3 Judaism 1 (folklore), Tinker 4 (pans) Notes: As a rabbi, he must tend to the earth- (Sefer Torah), Scribe 4 (Sefer Torah), Equipment: Tinker’s tools, handcart, Jewish ly concerns of his community, but as a Theology: Judaism 2 (scripture) hat, weather-beaten traveling cloak with kabbalist there are Divine truths that he Equipment: Scribe’s tools, tax ledgers and a Jewish symbol emblazoned upon it. strives to understand. These dual inter- accounts Notes: This Ba’al Shem travels from commu- ests can sometimes conflict and the kab- Notes: Unfortunately, this sofer’s ability as a nity to community around Bremen balist must work hard to ensure that he scribe is often overlooked in favor of his working his wonders for pay and the does not become so absorbed by mysti- roles as community tax collector and benefit of his people. He is frequently cal ephemera that he ignores his obliga- local gossip. And because of this, most on the road and tries not to look too tions. The kabbalist has been created as people think, correctly, that he must bear harshly on those gentiles who mock him a Mythic Companion. the evil eye. So if anything goes wrong, as he passes. The faeries, on the other he’s bound to get the blame. The Sofer’s hand, are a trial that he just can’t stand. multiple Social Statuses are compatible. RADHANITE MERCHANT

KABBALIST Characteristics: Int +1, Per +2, Pre 0, Com +2, Str 0, Sta 0, Dex 0, Qik 0 Companion Templates Characteristics: Int +2, Per 0, Pre 0, Com Size: 0 +2, Str 0, Sta +1, Dex 0, Qik 0 Age: 40 (40) Jewish companions must take the Size: 0 Warping Score: 0 (0) Outsider Major Flaw, to represent the Age: 32 (32) Confidence: 1 (3) prejudice they experience as they live, Warping Score: 0 (0) Virtues and Flaws: Merchant; Wealthy; travel, and work outside of both Jewish Confidence: 1 (3) Educated (Hebrew), Protection, communities and the covenant. Virtues and Flaws: Kabbalist, Rabbi; Puissant Merchant, Social Contacts, Gematria, Kabbalah, Understanding, Well-Traveled; Enemies (Christian mer- Wonders; Ceremony, Philosophic chants), Outsider (Major, Jew); Greedy BA’AL SHEM Magic, Clear Thinker, Good Teacher, (Minor), Obese Puissant Kabbalah, Social Contacts Personality Traits: Greedy +2, Ruthless +1, Characteristics: Int 0, Per 0, Pre +1, Com (Kabbalists), Educated (Hebrew); Fair –1 +2, Str 0, Sta 0, Dex +2, Qik 0 Outsider (Major, Jew), Driven (Major, Reputations: Jew 3 (Christians), Protected Size: 0 Obtain kabbalistic secrets), Feud (Karaite by Muqta’ of Baghdad 3 (Merchants) Age: 26 (26) kabbalists); Fragile Constitution Combat: Warping Score: 0 (0) Personality Traits: Inquisitive +2, Humble Dodge: Init +0, Attack N/A, Defense +0, Confidence: 1 (3) +1, Persistent +1 Damage N/A Virtues and Flaws: Ba’al Shem;Adjuration, Reputations: Jew 2 (Christians) Fist: Init +0, Attack +0, Defense +0, Damage Blessing, Invocation; Craft Amulets; Combat: +0 Magical Air, Outsider (Major, Jew), Dodge: Init +0, Attack N/A, Defense +0, Knife: Init +0, Attack +1, Defense +0, Supernatural Nuisance (faeries of the Damage N/A Damage +2 road); Carefree Fist: Init +0, Attack +0, Defense +0, Damage Soak: 0 Personality Traits: Cheerful +3, Helpful +1, +0 Fatigue Levels: OK, 0, –1, –3, –5, Honest +1 Bludgeon: Init –1, Attack +2, Defense +0, Unconscious

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Wound Penalties: –1 (1–5), –3 (6–10), –5 lier theurgistic practices and in the current pan by the practice of Shinnui Shem. It is (11–15), Incapacitated (16–20), Dead expansion of and acad- said that if a man changes his name then (21+) emia. Kabbalah is properly the study of the angel of death cannot find him and so Abilities: Arabic 5 (mercantile matters), the Sefirot, or emanations, discussed later, cannot carry him away. By using Gematria Mediterranean Lore 4 (personalities), but the term has been expanded to cover the kabbalist finds secret connections Artes Liberales 3 (arithmetic), Bargain 4 all forms of Jewish mysticism. between his name and the circumstances of (silk), Carouse 3 (power drinking), The aim of Kabbalah is to bring his birth and names or teachings within the Charm 4 (being witty), Common Law 2 worldly change by the study and practice of Tanakh and so reveal his own true name. (exchequer law), Etiquette 3 (merchant Divine principles as manifest on earth. Over the course of a season he uses these society), Folk Ken 4 (merchants), French While its study is academic, the power orig- connections to change his true name, again 4 (mercantile matters), Guile 4 (lying inates from the Divine and is intrinsically based on numerological interpretation of about weights and measures), Hebrew 5 tied to Jewish theology and philosophy. biblical texts or those on Dominion Lore. (prayers and blessings), Intrigue 3 (the Kabbalistic tradition has three chief This has two effects. Firstly, any current muqta’s enemies), Italian 4 (mercantile means of altering the world, each repre- arcane connections to the individual are matters), Judaic Lore 2 (poetry), Latin 2 sented by a distinct occult practice. The severed. Secondly, the kabbalist gains a (academic usage), Leadership 3 (intimi- first is by the speculative textual interpre- bonus to future Aging Rolls. dation), Merchant 5 +2 (silk), Persian 5 tation and manipulation of holy texts. The (mercantile matters), Philosophiae 1 second is through practical philosophical BONUS TO AGING ROLL: (moral philosophy), Slavic 1 (mercantile inquiry into the nature of the world and its (Simple Die + Intelligence + Gematria matters), Spanish 4 (mercantile matters), creative forces. The final element is direct + Understanding + Book Quality Theology: Judaism 2 (mitzvot) communication with Divine entities and + Dominion Aura) / 5 Equipment: Letters of credit, pouches of the experience of direct . money, bodyguards, outer clothes with The protection against aging ends a Jewish badge emblazoned upon them when the character next gains an Aging Notes: The Radhanite merchant is a wealthy Point. A character may only be renamed man in his own right, but serves one Gematria once by Shinnui Shem, but the kabbalist richer and more powerful still. may perform the rites of Shinnui Shem for From the Greek for “calculations,” others. The bonus to Aging Rolls resulting Story Hook: In searching for an Gematria is a method of divination that from Shinnui Shem is not cumulative with apprentice, the magus discovers reveals messages and meanings hidden other supernatural bonuses, including a Gifted child in the heart of the within the Torah. Each character of the those from Hermetic longevity rituals. Jewish community. Does the Hebrew alphabet has a numeric value, community allow the child to be which means that words also have values taken? What assurances can the determined by their constituent charac- magus make as to his religious ters. By manipulating these values accord- Kabbalah well-being? If the magus takes ing to prescribed techniques it is possible him without consent, how does to derive relationships between words, More properly termed kabbalah the community respond? which in turn revelation their underlying shimmush, or , this is a occult meanings. The Sefer Yetzirah teaches pragmatic application of the forces of cre- that numbers are the fundamental matter ation. It is this branch of mysticism that is that God used to construct the universe, relatively new, being born of recent philo- which means that the relationships sophical and theological study. Kabbalah between words and passages in the Bible is a ritualistic practice, and by researching, Jewish are neither accidental nor coincidental. learning, and performing divine rites the There are many ways of manipulat- kabbalist influences creation, drawing it ing texts in order to gain numeric values into alignment with his will. Mysticism from them and many ways of assigning The chief text of Kabbalah is the Sefer values to specific characters and words. As Yetzirah, which describes how God created practitioners of Gematria progress they the universe from numbers, writing, and Ten are the numbers of the inef- learn ever more complex ways of inter- speech. If these are the tools which must fable sephirot, ten and not nine, preting the same passages. It is this that be used, then the ten Sefirot, or emana- ten and not eleven. Learn this allows repeated study and interpretation tions, described by the same text provide wisdom, and be wise to the of the Torah. The application of Gematria instruction in how to wield those tools. understanding of it, investigate to other texts also provides insight, but The Sefirot are most often represent- these numbers and draw knowl- the conclusions cannot be trusted as only ed in visual form, interconnected by 22 edge from them, fix the design the Torah is the direct unchanged word of pathways aligned to the 22 characters of in its purity and pass from it to God in written form. Using other books the Hebrew alphabet. This arrangement is its Creator seated on his throne. requires a stress die. Books on Arts or called the Etz Chayim, The Tree of Life, Accelerated Abilities cannot be used. with its roots towards heaven and the Sefer Yetzirah trunk and branches emanating towards the Earth. Students and practitioners of the Kabbalah is the Jewish occult tradi- SHINNUI SHEM Kabbalah chart their understanding tion that arose in Iberia and southern through this depiction of the Sefirot, start- France at the beginning of the twelfth Kabbalists have found a way to fore- ing with Malchut and ending with Keter. century, although its roots are in both ear- stall death and increase their natural lifes- As a character increases his Kabbalah

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Ability score, he can be said to have AWAKEN GOLEM TOTAL: protected by one living golem at a time. achieved understanding of a new Sefirah, Intelligence + Kabbalah + Wonders Attempting to create a second golem to so a kabbalist with a score of 5 in Kabbalah + Ceremony Bonus + Dominion Aura protect a named community automatical- has achieved the understanding of tiferet ly causes each kabbalist involved to suffer and those with a score of 10 or more AWAKEN GOLEM EASE FACTOR: 30 a Minor Tragedy of Hubris and the rites achieve understanding of Keter. But the to awaken the golem fail. Sefirot described in the Sefer Yetzirah repre- GOLEM’S DIVINE MIGHT: Accumulated The awakened golem ceases to be a sent only the knowable aspects of cre- Points + Stress Die thing of clay and becomes living breath- ation, the counterparts to the , or the ing flesh, affected by spells and powers infinite and unknowable. Hubristic kabbal- MIGHT CAP: Kabbalah x 5 that affect the body and mind. The golem ists may strive for the ein sof but they are has the capacity to learn but cannot itself more likely to be led into temptation. study or practice; it must be actively taught by a teacher, which means that it is Standard Golem Traits incapable of gaining exposure experience. Golems do have a True Name, Golems are revered members of the com- Golems which is determined during their cre- munity and are supported by them, which ation. It cannot be subsequently affords them four full seasons each year in While Kabbalah is used by Jewish changed, through the application of which to learn. Unless ordered into tor- practitioners in place of the Invocation Shinnui Shem, for instance, as it is por, as described below, the golem must Holy Method, the pinnacle of kabbalistic derived by a similar process. eat, drink, breathe, and sleep as any other achievement is the creation of the golem, Although limited, Golems made man. A golem is also capable of taking a unliving clay brought to life by Divine in human form may be played as wife and fathering children, though energies directed by the kabbalist. Golems Companion characters and have the whether the kabbalist, the community can be formed into the shape of any living following attributes when first created. shadchan, or the prospective wife would creature and when God breathes life into deem this appropriate is questionable. them they become natural examples of GOLEM CHARACTERISTICS their kind. The most important golems are The kabbalist may assign those formed into the shape of men, for Characteristic scores, including the EMPOWERING GOLEMS these act as protectors of a community. bonus for the Improved Characteristics Although that community is usually Virtue, freely when designing the The kabbalist may empower the Jewish, the Book of Jeremiah tells the Jewish golem. golem by giving them Divine powers. people to seek the well-being of any place This need not be done immediately and in which they live, and the use of a golem VIRTUES & FLAWS the required rituals can be performed to protect that place is entirely in keeping All golems have the Unaging and during any season after the golem has with that injunction. Improved Characteristics Virtues. been awakened. They also suffer from the Weak-Willed With access to the golem through- Flaw, representing their trusting out, the kabbalist spends one or more sea- CREATING GOLEMS nature. They may gain other Virtues or sons designing the powers they wish the Flaws through play. golem to express. These effects are The creation of a golem takes several designed using the guidelines for Holy seasons and requires the dedicated atten- ABILITIES Methods and Powers, including those that tion of one or more kabbalists. During the All golems start with the follow- the kabbalist cannot personally use. All first season the body of the golem is formed ing Abilities: (Area) Lore 5, Awareness powers treat the golem as the caster. from clay, including earth from beneath a 1, Brawl 5, Charm 3, Concentration 1, At the end of the season, the kabbalist synagogue, which is then inscribed with Hebrew 5. generates an Empower Golem Total based astrological and holy symbols. The troupe may assign specialties on Kabbalah and Wonders. A Ceremony The second and subsequent seasons as desired. bonus is included where appropriate. are spent awakening the lifeless form through generating an Awaken Golem GOLEM PERSONALITY TRAITS EMPOWER GOLEM TOTAL: Total. For each point by which the total All golems have the following Intelligence + Kabbalah + Wonders exceeds the Ease Factor, the kabbalist Personality Traits: Loyal to its + Ceremony Bonus + Dominion Aura accumulates one point towards the Community +3, Trusting +3, Vengeful –3 golem’s Might Score. The kabbalist may The Empower Golem Total must choose to extend the ritual for additional exceed the power’s target level. Each sea- consecutive seasons, carrying any accu- Botch dice on the Awaken Golem son, for every point by which the total mulated points forward. A Stress Die is roll are equal to the number of kabbalists exceeds this level one point is accumulat- rolled in the final season and added to the taking part in the work. ed. Once a number of points equal to the total. The golem’s Might is capped at 5 At the culmination of the final sea- target level have been accumulated the times the lead kabbalist’s Kabbalah score. son, an awakening ceremony is conduct- golem acquires and may use the power. A Given the difficulty of this task, kab- ed, during which the golem is entreated to golem may have a number of magnitudes balists with the Ceremony Ability usually protect a given community. As a rule of of powers equal to its Divine Might Score. lead others in awakening the golem, gain- thumb, any community marked out by a Using a power costs a number of ing a Ceremony bonus equal to their boundary can be specified. A temporary Divine Might points equal to the power’s Intelligence + Kabbalah scores. eruv is commonly put in place to define magnitude and has an initiative equal to the boundary. A community can only be the golem’s Quickness. Penetration for

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these powers is as described in ArM5, page 191, and the golem’s Might Pool regenerates at the beginning of each new day, which in Jewish tradition is at sunset.

ALTERING THE GOLEM’S POWERS

The powers bestowed upon a golem are not final and can be changed by the kabbalist. By removing an existing power, the kabbalist gains a bonus equal to that power’s level to his Empower Golem Total. The alteration of powers can only be performed by a kabbalist who has already participated in either awakening or empowering the golem.

Exempli Gratia: Moshe ben Isaac decides to create a golem to pro- tect his community from the cor- rupt tax collector oppressing his people. During the first season, Moshe creates the clay form of the golem in the shape of a man, from earth taken from beneath the synagogue. In the second season, he begins to build the golem’s Might. He has Intelligence of +2, Kabbalah of 6 (including a specialty in golems), Wonders of 3, and he is working in a level 4 Dominion aura, for a total of 15. He leads three other kabbalists and gains a Ceremony Bonus of 20 for a total of 35. The lector with a Divinely-inspired agreements and it starts to become a dan- cabal works for three seasons, anxiety over his own greed. Isaac ger to those around it. As the Trusting building a an Accumulated can still contain a further 15 Personality Trait decreases, the golem Might of 15 and then attempts magnitudes of Divine powers. begins to question the guidance it receives to awaken the golem. Moshe and may not carry out instructions. And as rolls an 8 on the stress die for a its Loyalty decreases it loses interest in total of 23. The golem awakens MADNESS the well-being of the community, becom- with a Divine Might of 23 (less ing more aloof. These changes to than 5 times Moshe’s Kabbalah Golems are vulnerable creatures and, Personality Traits are permanent. score) and becomes a living if the kabbalist is not careful, are subject breathing human male. Moshe to falling into madness. Each time any names him Isaac in honor of his kabbalist involved in awakening the DESTROYING A GOLEM own father. Isaac has Divine golem suffers a tragedy of hubris, the knowledge of the community golem is commanded to do something There are three ways of destroying a but few other skills so Moshe that would transgress a mitzvah, or is golem. The first is to destroy its body, as takes him to those he can trust taken outside its community, the sto- with a mortal man. The second is to reduce for tuition. In the meantime, ryguide should roll a stress die, comparing its Might Score to zero. The third is to can- Moshe turns his attention to the result to the table below. cel out the act of its creation. Upon cre- empowering Isaac. He decides ation, the golem has a single word drawn that the tax collector must be ROLL EFFECT upon its forehead: emet, or “truth.” If the first confronted by his greed and Botch Madness character of the word, aleph, is purposefully designs a power to do so. The 0-4 –1 to Trusting Personality Trait erased, “emet” becomes “met,” or death. At power is based on the level 20 5-9 +1 to Vengeful Personality Trait that instant the golem returns to an unliv- Meditation and Intervention 10-14 –1 to Loyal to Community ing thing of clay. No incidental or acciden- guideline, at Eye range and of Personality Trait tal act can erase the aleph. Moon duration for a final level of 15+ Roll twice more In addition, any golem with a posi- 40. It takes Moshe three seasons tive Trusting Personality Trait can be to develop the correct rituals. At As the golem’s Vengeful Personality commanded to sleep by a member of its the end of this time Isaac gains Trait increases, it becomes more likely to protected community, which sends the the power to instill the tax col- use violence to settle even minor dis- golem into a torpor. While in this state, it

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Realms of Power

need not eat, drink, or even breathe to bring visions that reveal the True Names of Score the kabbalist experiences intense sustain itself and it does not age. It can be angels, demons, or even faeries and magi- visions concerning the target and its True commanded to sleep until awoken, or cal creatures. Before starting, the kabbalist Name is revealed. This True Name can until a certain event occurs. must have some knowledge of the entity he then be used as a Holy Connection, is searching for, either previously been in allowing the kabbalist to affect it with its presence, learned of the entity from a Holy Methods and Powers, and provides text, or been told about it by another. a +5 bonus to his Penetration modifier Merkavah and The He then spends at least a season in when affecting the being. The seasons preparation, expending a long term spent in ritual do not need to penetrate Chariot Mysteries fatigue level each season through the rig- the target’s resistance. ors of fasting and repeated prayer. These Merkavah and the study of the chari- fatigue levels cannot be regained until the ot mysteries is an ancient mystical practice ritual ends. At the end of each season the THE DANGERS OF STUDY dating to the founding of the Jewish peo- character generates a total: ple. Taking Ezekiel’s visions of the divine The secrets revealed through the chariot and the enthronement visions of MERKAVAH TOTAL: study of Merkavah are a source of tempta- Isaiah as their inspiration, practitioners of Stamina + Merkavah + Adjuration tion that draws the eager towards indisci- Merkavah seek visions of and communion + Ceremony Bonus + Dominion Aura pline and the search for faster and easier with the angels. While the Merkavah paths to power. At the end of any season Ability can be used in place of the Purity EASE FACTOR: Target’s Might Score in which a student either studies or uses Holy Method, it also represents the search the Merkavah alone the character must for true understanding of the angels, repre- If the kabbalist has the Ceremony make a Disciplined Personality Stress Roll sented by knowledge of their True Names. Ability, he may lead others in attempting against Ease Factor 9. Failure draws the to contact the target entity, in which case student towards obsession and the student he gains a Ceremony bonus equal to their must continue to study the same source, UNDERSTANDING THE Stamina + Merkavah scores. For each without benefit, the next season. A botch TRUE NAMES OF ANGELS point by which the Merkavah Total results in Infernal spirits becoming alerted exceeds the Ease Factor the kabbalist to his search for knowledge, and the stu- Through acts of fasting, prayer, and accumulates one point. When these accu- dent gains the Plagued by Supernatural ritual ablutions, the kabbalist is able to mulated points exceed the target’s Might Entity Story Flaw.

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