‘May God Shield us from the Plague.’ Vernacular Remedies for the Plague from Moyshe Kalish’s Yiddish Self-help Medical Book Seyfer Yerum Moyshe (Amsterdam 1679)

What is it about?

Between the years 1650-1800, Amsterdam became the center of Yiddish printing. Vernacular medical writings were also among the variety of Yiddish books published in Amsterdam. The Yiddish remedies book, Yerum Moyshe , published in 1679, was written by Moyshe Rofe Mi Kalish. In this article I intend to examine the paratexts of this book and present as a case study the doctor’s recommendation for the plague. He explains his remedies are credible and have been tried by many doctors. This book will not only save them from calling a doctor, paying him a lot of money, but also give them remedies they can prepare in their homes or find in their pharmacies. Whether rich or poor, everyone should have access to remedies. Kalish stresses the fact the ultimately, leading a pious life together with these remedies, will promise them a healthy and long life, with G-d’s help.

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