Abstract: An account is given of the life of a contemporary Mandaean poet, Lamea Abbas Amara, who was originally from Iraq, and now lives in San Diego, California. It discusses her religious origins, her relationships (and those of other contemporary Mandaeans) in the community, the complex relationship between Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and the Mandaeans, and her Mandaean beliefs and family history. The family history includes priests and goldsmiths (the Mandaeans are traditionally skilled goldsmiths and silversmiths). One of Lamea's poems is included at the end of the book.

Keywords: beliefs, California, contemporary Mandaeans, goldsmiths, Iraq, Mandaeans, Mandaeism, priests, religious history, San Diego, silversmiths, USA,