On My Right Michael, On My Left Gabriel: Angels in Ancient Jewish Culture

Angels were a significant part of ancient Judaism, with Michael and Gabriel being familiar and praise of the seraphim being sacred. Mika Ahuvia's book "On My Right Michael, On My Left Gabriel" explores the overlooked stories, interactions, and rituals of angels in ancient Judaism and the wider ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2021
Publisher: University of California Press

Throughout the Hebrew Bible, angelic beings are encountered, and by late antiquity, the archangels Michael and Gabriel had become as well-known as the patriarchs and matriarchs. Guardian angels were as ubiquitous as one's shadow, and praise of the seraphim was held in the same revered regard as the Shema prayer. Mika Ahuvia delves into once-common beliefs about the divine realm and establishes that angels played a fundamental role in ancient Judaism. Ancient Jewish practice revolved around the relationships between humans and invisible beings who served as intermediaries, role models, and guardians. By drawing on non-canonical sources such as incantation bowls, amulets, mystical texts, and liturgical poetry, Ahuvia demonstrates that when ancient men and women sought access to divine aid, they turned not only to their rabbis or to God alone but often also to the angels.

On My Right Michael, On My Left Gabriel shines a light on these overlooked narratives, interactions, and rituals, providing a fresh perspective on the history of Judaism and the broader ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern world in which it thrived.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 236 x 161 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520380110