Folk Religion in the Works of Sephardic Authors from Serbia and Bosnia

In this paper I examine the system of folk beliefs, superstitions and cultural practices that governed the lives of the Sephardim in Serbia and Bosnia. By the term folk religion I refer here to forms and expressions of religion that are deemed distinct from the official doctrines and practices of organized religion. These formed an inseparable part of the everyday life of the Serbian and Bosnian Sephardim as expressed by various authors from the area, such as Haim Davico, Djina Camhy or Rikica Ovadija. I will use the works of these and other Sephardic authors to show the meaning and significance of various elements of folk religion aimed at healing or averting misfortune, foreseeing the future, fighting the Evil Eye, warding off curses and demons, funeral rituals and so forth. Particular emphasis will be laid upon the role of women in perpetuating these customs and rituals.