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Counting Peas and Pouring Wax: Historical Yiddish Divination Workshop

Museum at Eldridge Street
Apr 23 | Thu | 6PM | 54
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Counting Peas and Pouring Wax: Historical Yiddish Divination Workshop at Museum at Eldridge Street
Join the Museum at Eldridge Street in our stunning 1887 Main Sanctuary on Thursday, April 23rd at 6pm for a hands-on divination class with Yiddish scholar Mikhl Yashinsky.

Join Mikhl Yashinsky for a unique journey into Yiddish divination methods. In this after-hours workshop, you'll learn about Abraham Hochman, a clairvoyant on the Lower East Side in the early 20th century, whose proprietary divination method involving counting out handfuls of peas or nuts, asking questions about one's life, and consulting gems, planets, and Biblical heroes and heroines for the answers. You'll also explore the ancient Ashkenazic folk practice of “vaks gisn” (wax-pouring, or ceromancy).

Program Highlights:

Discover the history of Yiddish folk divination methods practiced both in Eastern Europe and on the Lower East Side. Try your hand at pea-counting and wax-pouring in a beautiful historic setting. Learn Yiddish words and expressions associated with fortune-telling practices—perhaps even an incantation or two. No experience or knowledge necessary. All materials will be provided.

Venue: Museum at Eldridge Street

12 Eldridge Street Map
212-219-0888