Two Medieval Necromantic Practices: Maimonides versus Nachmanides and R. Joseph Albo concerning Ob and Yidoni

Abstract

Medieval literature documents two main commentaries on the biblical terms ob and yedoni. Maimonides claims that these are separate necromantic practices. This is based on rabbinic descriptions, but he adds the use of incense and holding a myrtle branch. This was carried out to contact the deceased or for ecstatic goals, namely, to heighten the fervidness of the magician. Nachmanides and Joseph Albo introduce independent traditions that originate from Spain. Ob and yedoni, they say, are a single necromantic practice, performed in a cemetery or church. It entails a woman (ob) and a man (yedoni), because they have different talents of mediumship. Nachmanides claims that using clappers during funerals is a relic of the ceremony of mediumship. But the historical reasons for using clappers during funerals are different.