Lecture Notes: Demons in the Talmud

Introduction

• Speaker: Raquel Shinerman, Editor of My Jewish Learning
• Presenter: Dr. Sarah Ronas, Associate Professor of Theology, St. Mary's University, Texas
• Topic: Demons in the Talmud
• Dr. Ronas has published a book, Demons in the Details: Demonic Discourse and Rabbinic Culture in Late Antique Babylonia

Overview

• Demons appear occasionally in the Talmud.
• Demons in historical context: Most people in late antiquity (North Africa, Asia, Europe) believed in demons.
• Contrast with modern American culture influenced by New Testament depictions of demons (evil, needing exorcism).
• Rabbis in the Talmud have a different perspective on demons.

The Talmud

• The Talmud is a key text of the Rabbis in Babylonia (second to sixth centuries CE).
• Babylonia: Part of the Sasanian Empire (includes diverse religious communities).
• Rabbis engage with earlier Jewish traditions such as Second Temple Judaism, the Bible, and the Mishnah.

Demons in the Talmud

• Integration into Rabbinic Law:

  • Demons are part of the rabbinic legal system.
  • Example: Talmudic discussion about drinking four cups of wine on Passover.
  • Even numbers are considered dangerous as they provoke demons (except on Passover, which is guarded by God).

• Demons and the Community:

  • Demons are considered part of the community.
  • Example: A demon causes a barrel to burst; the rabbi excommunicates the demon, indicating demons are bound by rabbinic law.

• Rabbinic Teachings Informed by Demons:

  • Some demons, like Joseph the demon, inform rabbinic teachings.
  • Demons could be rabbis or participate in rabbinic teachings.

Demonic Hierarchy and Rabbinic Authority

• Case Study: Ashmodai and Solomon

  • Ashmodai, a demon, outsmarts King Solomon.
  • Demonstrates Torah knowledge and participates in rabbinic traditions.

• Exorcism in the Talmud

  • Story of Ben Talamion helping rabbis by possessing the emperor’s daughter.
  • The exorcism is staged for a practical purpose (saving the Jewish community).

Conclusion

• The rabbis view demons as part of a legal and theological framework.
• Talmudic demons reflect rabbinic worldview and monotheism (demons not wholly evil).
• Post-Talmudic Judaism sees a shift in demonology, influenced by Maimonides, who considered talmudic demons as superstition.

Final Thoughts

• Demons in the Talmud are part of a complex theological and legal system that shows the creativity of rabbinic thought.
• They are not just malevolent forces; they can be community members, informants, and even teachers.

Additional Information

• Dr. Ronas' book and teaching resources are available for those interested in further study.
• For more Jewish learning, My Jewish Learning offers daf yomi talmud study with contributions from Dr. Ronas.