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

Angelic beings can be found throughout the Hebrew Bible, and by late antiquity, the archangels Michael and Gabriel were as familiar as the patriarchs and matriarchs, guardian angels were as present as one’s shadow, and praise of the seraphim was as sacred as the Shema. In her book, Mika Ahuvia demonstrates that angels were foundational to ancient Judaism. Ancient Jewish practice centered on humans’ complex relationships with these invisible beings who acted as their intermediaries, role models, and guardians. Bringing non-canonical sources into view—incantation bowls, amulets, mystical texts, and liturgical poetry—Ahuvia shows 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 allows these overlooked stories, interactions, and rituals to take center stage, offering a new entry point to the history of Judaism and the wider ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern world in which it flourished.

About the Speaker
Ahuvia is the Marsha and Jay Glazer Endowed Chair in Jewish Studies and an assistant professor in the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington. She researches the formative history of Jewish and Christian communities in the ancient Mediterranean world, specializing in rabbinic sources, liturgical poetry, magical texts, early mystical literature, and archaeological evidence. Her first book, On My Right Michael, On My Left Gabriel: Angels in Ancient Jewish Culture (University of California Press, June 2021), uncovers how angels made their way into the practices and worldview of ancient Jews, and makes sense of why angels continue to play such an important role within and outside of institutional religious settings.